US declares RP ports, maritime facilities secure

Updated 09:48pm (Mla time) Sept 19, 2004
By Clarissa Batino
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on page A23 of the September 20, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


THE UNITED States has cleared Philippine ports and maritime facilities in terms of security and adequate safeguards against terrorism, according to the transportation department.

Transport Undersecretary Cecilio Penilla said the US Coast Guard, in a Sept. 9 advisory, did not include the Philippines in the list of 17 countries not in full compliance with the new international port security requirements.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code prescribed by the United Nations carry provisions against anti-terrorism and port security, following the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Without an ISPS clearance, Philippine vessels may not be allowed to dock at a foreign port the same way that foreign vessels could opt not to dock on local ports that have not complied with the new global standards.

Penilla, head of the country's Office for Transportation Security, said that not being included in the US Coast Guard list meant that there were adequate antiterrorism measures in place in the Philippines' port and maritime facilities.

The ISPS Code was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safety and security of all ships and ports all over the world.

The Code, to be strictly enforced effective July 1, sets the standards by which ships and ports will be allowed to transport and handle goods traded by sea.

Philippine shipments to the United States, for example, run the risk of being refused entry if, neither the ship nor any of its last ten ports of call is not ISPS-compliant.

The transport official said the positive development should allay the fears of exporters and importers, businessmen engaged in international maritime trade, and the country's maritime sector.

"We should always be on our toes and ensure that port security measures under the ISPS Code are effectively and responsibly implemented," he stressed.

He said ISPS Code compliant ports must consistently follow the international security requirements, set a higher benchmark for security, and execute a declaration of security that details specific arrangement between vessels and port facilities.

The ISPS Code amends the 30-year-old Safety of Life at Sea Convention or SOLAS.

baba talaga ng standards natin ano, kailangan ng approval ni Uncle Sam so that we are satisfied with what we have done. hay!

The US is the best country in the world, we must respect him...Whatever that he decide to do then he have to do...

not all the time really.....

As we all can see that the US can beat the UN policy...The UN didnt allow the US to fight the Saddam Hussein. But the US did whatever he wanted...So?? What would you judge on that matter???

well, as we all know they're all powerful... that's life.. if you have the guts go for it... but if it's only us, the philippines, we can never have the power to do that.

powerful countries had also several problems too!

yeah i know that they are experiencing problems too but my point is that they are all powerful to the point that they can influence the organization..

That Uncle Sam is becoming senile and will have to meet his maker sooner or later?

Uncle Sam did not beat the UN policy, he rebelled against it, an outright disregard for world policy, does that make him great? no. it shows what a bully he has become... by the way, bullies have psychological problems, you know. Maybe uncle sam needs treatments?

are there any big cities around lingayen gulf is that a choice place for trade