Sagay city: The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed the high-speed response boat 053 (HSRB-053) in northern Negros Occidental to strengthen maritime operations in the coastal communities, passenger routes, and protected waters of the Visayan Sea. Coast Guard District Southern Visayas commander Commodore Christopher Auro and Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva led the blessing and inauguration of the vessel at the city's feeder port in Barangay Old Sagay on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, this deployment is part of the national government's ongoing investment in improving maritime response capabilities. The HSRB-053 is the second high-speed response boat to be deployed in the Negros Island Region, following the earlier deployment of a similar unit in Siaton, Negros Oriental. The vessel, constructed using fiberglass-reinforced plastic, measures between 12 to 15 meters and is designed for fast and highly maneuverable operations near shorelines and between islands.

Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots, the HSRB-053 is intended to fill the operational gap between larger offshore patrol vessels and smaller boats. This allows Coast Guard personnel to respond more swiftly to emergencies and maritime threats. Commodore Auro emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, competence, and operational readiness among the personnel assigned to operate and maintain the vessel.

Mayor Cueva highlighted the importance of continued protection for the Visayan Sea, which includes the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve. He noted that protecting this reserve is essential for safeguarding the livelihood of local fisherfolk and that the high-speed response boat will significantly aid in ensuring the safety of passengers traveling between islands.