SULU (Mindanao Examiner / July 3, 2014) – The Sulu provincial government handed over a 600-horsepower speedboat it donated to the Philippine Marines in support to its law enforcement operations in the southern Philippines.
The 10-meter boat also serves as a multi-purpose vessel which the military can use in its rescue or logistic operations, among others.
Governor Totoh Tan and Vice-Governor Sakur Tan led the turnover of the Malaysian-made speedboat to Brigadier General Martin Pinto, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, and Brigadier General Orlando del Leon, the deputy chief of the Western Mindanao Command who represented Lt. Gen. Rustico Guererro.
Both Pinto and De Leon thanked the provincial officials for the donation, saying, the speedboat equipped with three outboard engines, is a big contribution to the efforts of authorities in maintaining peace and order in the province.
“This is a welcome move by the provincial government, a manifestation of the strong partnership and collaboration of the local government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The water craft is capable of conducting maritime patrols to intercept and apprehend lawless elements engaged in illegal activities.”
The speed boat, a Malaysian-made watercraft, will enhance the capability of the AFP in maritime law enforcement operations within the waters of Sulu and nearby island municipalities,” Pinto said.
The provincial government has been very supportive of the military and police authorities in Sulu in an effort to professionalize the uniformed personnel here. (Franzie Sali)
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