SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group inaugurated the Vessel Operations Training Center inside this premier Freeport.

SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino said that the creation of the training center was through the efforts of the agency and the PNP-MG via a memorandum of agreement.

Under the pact, the SBMA will provide a facility for the PNP-MG that will help in training police officers in operating seagoing vessels of the agency. He added that the agency will also provide additional amenities and equipment that will help in training police officers operate SBMA ships.

It also said that the PNP-MG will conduct security operations for the waters of Subic Bay, while providing trained and licensed personnel to man the seven patrol boats of the agency which include three multi-purpose patrol boats, a search and rescue vessel, a garbage collection/ firefighting vessel, an oil skimmer/ firefighting vessel, and a line handling and utility boat.

Currently, PNP-MG personnel operate the vessels of the SBMA, including MV Kalayaan, MV Binictican, MV Redondo, MV Ilanin, MV Triboa, MV Cubi, and MV Maritan.

Paulino and PNP-MG Director Police Brigadier General Harold B. Tuzon signed the MoA at the administration building on March this year and led the inauguration of the new facility near the Alava Pier. Reverend Father Orlando Correa led the blessing of the facility.