By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief, Commodore Joel Garcia, said he is considering the establishment of a PCG headquarters in the Negros Island Region (NIR), calling it a “strategic location.”

During a recent visit, Garcia pointed out NIR straddles the Sulu Sea and faces Mindanao.

Garcia said the presence of a PCG base in Negros would allow them to place maritime assets, like patrol vessels and fast boats, to counter various threats, including terrorism and environmental hazards.

“Aside from providing a Coast Guard presence at ports, we are looking forward to deploying personnel in tourist areas, especially Sipalay City and Cauayan, which have a long stretch of coastal area, and Siaton in Negros Oriental,” Garcia said.

He added, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently approved an additional budget for the agency, allowing them to hire 4,000 additional personnel this year and 5,000 more by 2018./DGB, WDJ