A maritime law enforcement exercise between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other national and local law enforcement agencies was held yesterday, 10 August off the coast of Sta Ana, Davao City as part of the security preparations for the Kadayawan Festival.

Said exercise is part of the contingency plan for the 10-day festivities in the city.

Among the agencies and units involved were the PCG’s Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), the Philippine Navy and Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force under the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Task Force Davao, Davao City Public Safety and Security Command, and Rescue 911.

A showcase on the interoperability in responding to incidents was conducted. In the simulation scenario, PCG and AFP deployed its floating and air assets to interdict the a target vessel which was reported to be carrying illegal drugs onboard. It was followed by drills on medical evacuation of a wounded person followed by pannelling and inspection by the PCG K9 unit.

The event was commended by the Davao City Maritime Coordinating Council Chairperson (DCMCC), Councilor Mabel Acosta; the Davao City Public Safety Security Command Center Chief Operations Officer, Major General Benito Antonio T De Leon AFP (Retired); and Office of the City Mayor representatives for its successful conduct. Moreover, the event gave the stakeholders and government leaders confidence knowing adequate capabilities is in place in terms of immediate effective response to security threats, disaster or emergency situations in the Davao Gulf.

CGDSEM Commander, Captain Roy Echeverria PCG being the DCMCC Vice Chairperson said that the exercise aims to reestablish the working relationship of different agencies, evaluate and further strengthen interoperability which puts emphasis on operational coordination and communications protocol among agencies involved. He further stated that similar exercises are recommended to be undertaken in the future to maintain readiness of operating agencies in the city.