PCG’s Multi-Role Response Vessel 4409 (BRP Cabra) with personnel from Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF), Marine Environmental Protection (MEPCOM), and Coast Guard Civil Relations Service (CRS) who will augment maritime security patrols and marine environmental protection proceedings for the six-month closure of Boracay arrived in Boracay today, 23 April 2018.

BRP Davao del Norte (Search and Rescue Vessel 3504), on the other hand, arrived last April 22, 2018 and has been conducting maritime security patrols in the vicinity waters of the Island.

Aside from the deployment for maritime security patrols, PCG assets to include: MRRV, SARV, a speed boat, an aluminum boat, and a rubber boat together with the personnel from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Caticlan, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Boracay, and SOF Quick Response Teams, will also be participating the Inter-Agency Capability Demonstration on April 25 to showcase the combined forces’ readiness in responding to threats to include: protest, fire incident, attack on vital installation, bombing, kidnapping, and/or active shooting.

Meanwhile, the Science Technical Team from MEPCOM also coordinated with Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for the water quality monitoring.

The said team already conducted scientific investigations on the illegal discharged of sewage into the sea of Sitio Bulabog, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan last March 2017 and in addition, has already conducted awareness campaign to the residents of Boracay last October 2017.

Moreover, the CRS team was also deployed in Boracay Island for the assessment of community-related activities, in particular with coral reef rehabilitation and psycho-social engagement with the help from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).