SBMA beefs up security in vital shipyard

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has committed to beef up security at the Hanjin shipyard to protect Subic Bay Freeport’s biggest locator.

In a statement, the SBMA said it forged a memorandum of agreement with Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. (HHIC)-Philippines Inc. for the deployment of personnel from the state agency’s Law Enforcement Department (LED) to assist in securing the Hanjin shipbuilding facility within the freeport.

Under the agreement, six uniformed and armed LED personnel will be detailed inside the facility owned and operated by HHIC-Phils.

The company has so far invested some $2 billion in the country.

SBMA chair Roberto Garcia noted that the deployment of the SBMA-LED personnel in the shipyard would help deter unlawful activities given the improved police visibility.

“Hanjin’s shipyard in Subic is located far from the Freeport’s Central Business District or local police stations. Putting up a LED detachment in the area will strengthen our efforts to maintain peace and order there,” Garcia explained.

The Hanjin facility is located in Redondo Peninsula—part of Barangay Cawag in Subic, Zambales.

It is about 20 minutes by boat across Subic Bay or some 30-minute drive from the freeport.

HHIC-Phils meanwhile will provide adequate and suitable quarters for the LED officers. It will also provide communications equipment, and other provisions necessary for the conduct of patrol operations, Garcia said.