Philippines: Time to Tighten Seaward Security

A sea mounted kidnapping of a Swiss-born resident of Zamboanga has prompted some potential activity by the government of the Philippines to improve littoral security, as noted here:

Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa on Monday called for tighter security in the country’s coastal areas after the kidnapping of a Swiss-born man in Zamboanga City on Sunday.

Verzosa said attention should be given on the country’s coastal areas, as a number of suspects flee seaward.

“The Philippines is an archipelago and I find it hard to believe that our [security] coverage in coastal areas is weak,” Verzosa said during turnover ceremonies at the PNP Maritime Group in Camp Crame.

The kidnapping of Swiss-born Charlie Reith, he said, was an example of an incident where the suspects were able to escape on board three boats with the 72-year-old victim.

“Most crimes committed here transpire on the seas, such as smuggling, terrorism, trafficking, and abduction,” Verzosa said.

“That’s why we really have to reform the Maritime Group and…in developing the capabilities of our personnel,” he added.

Verzosa said that in the coming months, the PNP is looking to procure more fast boats as well as the establishment of more maritime detachments to better secure the coastal areas in the country.

He added that the PNP is targeting one fast boat per province in the country.

Hard to fault the logic, hope there is a follow-up.