PCG creates task force to step up maritime law enforcement, regulations in PH waters
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated a task force that would help step up the enforcement of maritime laws and regulations within the country’s maritime territory.
Dubbed as PCG Task Force “Kaligtasan sa Karagatan,” it is mandated to utilize assets to intensify the enforcement of all domestic and international maritime laws, treaties, conventions, and applicable memorandum circulars issued by the Coast Guard pertinent to maritime safety.

The task force is composed of 19 task groups operational in all Coast Guard districts, particularly in Northwestern Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Palawan, and the National Capital Region – Central Luzon.
PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. has designated PCG Maritime Safety Services Vice Admiral Artemio Abu, together with Rear Admiral Joseph Coyme, and Commodore Charlie Rances to lead the task force.
“We will be focusing only on activities that are doable, tangible, and with a high impact on the safety aspect of our job, not to mention the desire to advance our sovereignty interest,” Abu said.
The task force is set to coordinate with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF – WPS) in the swift installation of sovereign markers within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Abu said the 19 task groups will be ordered to deliver maritime safety-related services nationwide.
The vice admiral also expressed the need to enhance arrangement with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), specifically in the maintenance of PPA-procured buoys.
The Coast Guard said it will ensure that personnel of the task force were highly skilled in the implementation of vessel safety enforcement, port state control, and recreational safety inspections.
“Rest assured we will provide assistance in the education and development of Coast Guard personnel by providing exercises and seminars related to maritime safety,” Abu said.
“They will be trained in manning Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), deploying maritime search and rescue teams, and conducting marine casualty investigations, among others,” he added.