COURTESY: CAMIGUIN (PIA)
Picture this: the sun setting over the crystal-clear waters of Camiguin, a paradise where the waves gently kiss the shore. But beneath this serene surface, a storm was brewing. Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo recently voiced concerns at the National Peace and Order Council meeting, shedding light on pressing issues that were quietly gnawing at the island's peace.
The discussions were as intense as a typhoon. Gov. Romualdo highlighted the rise in Chinese nationals in the province, raising eyebrows and questions. "Mag-exercise lang ang mga local chief executives, mga LGUs, og diligence nga i-check gyud kung tinuod ba gyud na sila nga mga investors," he emphasized, urging local leaders to ensure these visitors were genuine investors and not harboring ulterior motives.
The island had seen a surge in Chinese visitors, with 31 entering in June alone. This influx, coupled with disinformation about the West Philippine Sea, called for immediate attention and action.
In a bold move to curb illegal activities, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Camiguin, in collaboration with CGSS Guinsiliban, the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Guinsiliban, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM)-Camiguin, launched a series of operations. The result? A significant bust of illegal cigarettes smuggled in a wing van truck. Seven boxes, each containing 50 reams and valued at around P350,000, were confiscated.
Engr. Jay-R Bryant Peniones of CGS Camiguin proudly reported, "CGS Camiguin, together with its sub-station, conducted a total of 11 seaborne patrols covering 45 nautical miles." These patrols aimed to deter illegal activities and ensure visibility and security in the area. The Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-159, which prohibits pump boat operators from carrying passengers in and out of Camiguin, was strictly enforced.
Moreover, the Coast Guard's efforts didn't stop there. They conducted 145 coastal security patrols, working closely with other law enforcement agencies to advise fisherfolk on safety during inclement weather. The Coast Guard K9 Team performed 32 screenings on inbound vehicles and passenger baggage at the port of Balbagon and Camiguin Airport, aiming to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and contraband.
Weekends in Camiguin were no longer just about beach outings. Personnel from CGSS Mahinog and CGSS Mambajao took to the waters, conducting Bay Watch Patrols at Mantigue Island, Mahinog, and White Island, Mambajao. Their mission? To intensify maritime security and ensure that beachgoers could enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without a hitch.
But the Coast Guard’s commitment to Camiguin went beyond security. They undertook 1,320 pre-departure inspections and two vessel safety enforcement inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Their environmental efforts were equally commendable, with 13 motorcycle patrols and seven coastal clean-up drives that collected 91 sacks of assorted garbage, weighing approximately 1,400 kilograms, over a three-kilometer stretch.
Their participation in the Scubasurero initiative showcased their dedication to preserving the island’s natural beauty. These clean-up drives were more than just a way to pick up trash; they were a statement of the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
CGS Camiguin didn’t just stop at patrolling and cleaning; they took to the barangays, educating fisherfolk on the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering System (SSEN) and imparting safety measures for the rainy season and typhoons. These information campaigns were a vital part of their strategy, ensuring that the local community was informed and prepared.
Engr. Peniones highlighted, "These concerted efforts by CGS Camiguin and its sub-stations underline a robust approach to enhancing maritime security, enforcing laws, and promoting safety and environmental stewardship within Camiguin."
In conclusion, Camiguin’s ramped-up maritime security and the confiscation of illegal cigarettes are more than just isolated incidents; they are part of a broader, concerted effort to protect the island’s shores and its people. With the combined efforts of the Coast Guard, local law enforcement, and the community, Camiguin is setting a new standard for safety and security in the region. So next time you visit this beautiful island, remember the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep those waves of change rolling in the right direction.
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