Navy, SoPhil renew Sulu seas security MoA

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has extended its partnership with the Southern Philippines (SoPhil) Deep Sea Fishing Association Inc. for another three years.

NFWM and SoPhil recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for both parties to pursue the security of maritime areas where fishing activities are taking place.

Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and SoPhil president Engr. Jaydrick Johnson Yap signed the MoA at the NFW Officers’ Club in Bagong Calarian here over the weekend.

Yap said Saturday that the partnership aims to provide security and protect the fishing vessels while fishing in the seas of Sulu. They have tapped the services of the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA) to provide security.

The SCAA will be provided 50 units of M16 rifles and 90 units of M14 rifles, with their corresponding magazines and ammunition; and 209 pieces of battle rig.

“NFWM’s continued partnership with SoPhil will promote peace, and development in the conduct of economic activity for the people of Zamboanga City and the nearby islands,” Adaci said.

“This memorandum of agreement partnership would benefit our security in this part of the Philippine archipelago,” he added.

The Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units and SCAA serve as auxiliary forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and are assigned to protect private companies, particularly natural resources firms, Adaci said.