ZAMBOANGA CITY – The police regional office in Zamboanga peninsula (PNP-9) turned over to the local police in this city two high-speed tactical watercraft (HSTW) equipped with three machine guns, which will be utilized to patrol the coastal sea lanes of the city.
Police Director for Zamboanga peninsula (PRO-9) Police Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan on Friday said the two HSTWs were worth P13.6 million each, are complete with accessories, and are armed with 7.62 mm machineguns in front and on both sides of the boat.
Each boat is powered by three 250-horsepower outboard motor engine, and can reach more than 60 knots at full speed.
Ylagan said the HSTWs were donated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to calibrate the capacity of the local police here in denying criminals from conducting terroristic activities in Zamboanga City.
The donation of two watercraft was formally received by Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar, and Zamboanga City Police Office Director Police Col. Rexmel Reyes
Climaco committed that the city government will maintain the watercraft, and provide its fuel requirements.
The two gunboats were a gift to the police in this city by PNP Chief Debold M Sinas, who served the city for more than 14 years in a different capacities.
PNP Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Angelito Casimiro, who also served the city as police chief, assisted Sinas in the turn over of the two gunboats to the PNP-9 in this city.
According to Ylagan the two boats will be utilized to thwart any serious threat from lawless elements, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Ylagan noted that the ASG and other major rebel groups are operating in the nearby Basilan and Sulu provinces and in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.