The National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) led by Admiral Joel S Garcia has signed a memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on safeguarding Philippine coastlines against illegal drug smuggling, transportation, and transhipment today, 07 January 2020.

"With this agreement, the NCWC will be relentless in supporting, coordinating, and collaborating with the PDEA to eradicate illegal drug smuggling at the Philippine waters," Admiral Garcia said.

Under the MOA, NCWC and PDEA agree to extend mutual assistance in the interdiction of illegal drugs, as well as controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) entering the Philippine shores.

They shall also conduct regular meetings to discuss operational matters, updates on anti-drug smuggling programs, formulation of strategies, as well as exchange of best practices and knowledge through seminars and workshops --- to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of maritime and coastal monitoring, especially of suspected attempts of drug smuggling.

Moreover, PDEA and NCWC shall establish a comprehensive information collection plan that will be used in narcotics investigation, anti-drug operation, and other initiatives for the prevention of illegal drug entry in the country's coastlines.

"We are making available all Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels to the PDEA for anti-illegal drug operations. Wala nang bureaucratic red tape. Isang tawag lang, papasampahin namin kayo," Admiral Garcia added.

"We are grateful to the NCWC and to the PCG for fully supporting our mission of eradicating the issue of illegal drugs in the country. Rest assured that we will be active accomplishing the ojectives of this MOA to keep Philippine waters safe and secured," Director General Aquino said.

As the first-ever formal agreement between PDEA and NCWC, the signed MOA is an application of the whole-of-government approach to protect Philippine waters against the transit of illegal drugs anchored on Executive Order No. 57 Series of 2011.