The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) has tightened security measures and increased monitoring of yachts in Tambobo Bay, Siaton, Negros Oriental, to prevent unlawful activities, including the smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband.
Commodore Christopher Auro, CGDSV commander, said on Tuesday, May 12, that security cameras have been installed and Coast Guard personnel deployed at the bay’s entrance.
“The role of the Philippine Coast Guard here at Tambobo Bay is to monitor all yachts and other boats that enter or depart the area and check if they have the necessary documents,” Auro said during a quick visit at Tambobo Bay.
He said yachts without complete or valid documentation will not be permitted to depart Tambobo Bay.
Auro added that the Coast Guard is coordinating with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and the local government of Siaton in the monitoring and inventory of these yachts.
A recent inspection conducted by the Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority revealed that at least 60 yachts are anchored in Tambobo Bay. Of these, 25 were undocumented with no identified owners, 13 had caretakers, and 22 were registered with identified owners, Auro said.
Many of these yachts are owned by foreigners, which is why the Bureau of Immigration must check their visa status.
The Coast Guard is also planning to conduct water sampling of Tambobo Bay as part of its marine environmental protection mandate, Auro said, noting hazards such as oil spills that could affect the bay’s marine ecosystem.
Furthermore, Auro said an authorized salvor must conduct salvage operations for yachts that are submerged or sunk to guarantee appropriate procedures without endangering the bay waters.*
[sibwp_form id=1]