The Philippine National Police (PNP) will beef up the interoperability training programs with the military and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a bid to make the government presence felt in the sea, particularly in the campaign against smuggling.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said they have already coordinated with the PCG and the military through the Philippine Navy on the aspects of training and deployment.
"We need more trainings especially for special operations in critical areas like Palawan, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Even in northern part of the country because it is our boundary with Taiwan, so there is a need for the presence of our troops there from the Maritime Group," said Azurin.
The training, according to Azurin, will equip the operatives of the PNP-Maritime Group with necessary skills in the conduct of operations on the seas.
Aside from training programs with the PCG and the Philippine Navy, he said the PNP is planning to continue the maritime exercises with Malaysia.
The joint maritime exercises between the PNP and its Malaysian counterparts were halted in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Aside from trainings, we also need additional high-speed tactical watercraft for the conduct of patrol," said Azurin.