Even as families across the country gathered for Christmas, personnel of Joint Task Force Sinaya sustained maritime security operations to safeguard the waters of Eastern Mindanao.

The Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao said intensified patrols were conducted from 22 to 25 December to prevent threat elements from exploiting the holiday period for illegal maritime activities and other violations of maritime laws.

On 22 December, units under Task Force Seahawk deployed BA489 and BA491 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division, along with BRP Alberto Navarette (PC394), to conduct patrol operations in the internal waters of Davao Gulf, Davao Occidental and Sarangani.

At the same time, BRP Tagbanua (LC296) conducted littoral combat patrols along the southeastern and eastern seaboards of Eastern Mindanao to reinforce maritime security coverage.