In its 2017 annual audit report, the COA urged the BFAR to monitor the local government’s use of patrol boats and provide adequate budget for their immediate repair. ADVERTISEMENTThe COA found that of the 14 fisheries management patrol vessels for monitoring, control and surveillance, seven had no operational navigational and communications equipment. The COA report also assessed the status of 43 patrol boats procured from 2009 to 2011 under the United States’ Public Law 480 program. ADVERTISEMENTBut five of these boats were used for tourism activities, aside from their original purpose of enforcing fishery laws and conducting coastal resource management activities. The COA did not identify the local governments that misused the boats.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 16, 2018 23:26 UTC