Gordon bats for institutionalization of PCG's auxiliary unit
Senator Richard Gordon is pushing for the bill seeking to institutionalize the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) to assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during emergencies, especially in times of natural calamities.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2265, Gordon said stressed the need for a “force multiplier” that would serve as the citizen’s arm of the PCG and would be tasked to assist the government during marine search and rescue operations.
Part of the functions of the PCGA would also be to help counter the growing number of foreign vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea.
“We need a force multiplier composed of Coast Guard's men from our folks, including our boat fishermen who ply the seas, who can tell us of the boat movements and especially during rescue operations,” Gordon said in pushing for the passage of the measure
“They could repel drug smugglers...as our thousands of fishermen who are incorporated with a modicum of training, at the very least they will become our eyes and ears for smugglers of drugs, of bad items from guns and cigarettes and stuff like that,” the senator added.
Gordon, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 elections, said having the PCGA—that will primarily consist of fishermen—could amplify the country’s patrolling capabilities in its 7,600 islands.
The members of the PCGA could also serve as first responders to disasters, such as capsized vessels and people lost at sea, being able to respond to calls quickly, owing to their expertise in the adjacent waters.
Gordon, citing a similar situation with regards to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which he heads, and its 2 million volunteers.
“It is a super organization waiting to contribute to a great country. There will be more than enough enthusiasm to man this fleet and all it needs like the National Guard in America which started as a militia and was federalized, and used for state purposes,” he pointed out.
Under SB 2265, the PCGA shall be manned by the National Auxiliary Main Office (NAMO), Auxiliary District, Auxiliary Squadron, and Auxiliary Division, and will be supported by Auxiliary Support Groups.
The NAMO shall prescribe circumstances and qualifications under which members are recruited and advances, in accordance with the existing guidelines of the PCG under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Gordon said that in times of threats to national security, the PCGA may be absorbed by the Department of National Defense (DND) to augment the country’s naval force.
The PCGA may also be used to help maintain local peace and order, quell insurgency, and help residents in humanitarian missions.