Negros oriental: 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, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview late Tuesday that security cameras have been installed and Coast Guard personnel deployed at the bay's entrance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Auro explained that the primary role of the Philippine Coast Guard at Tambobo Bay is to oversee all yachts and other boats entering or leaving the area, ensuring they possess the necessary documentation. He emphasized that yachts lacking complete or valid documentation would not be allowed to depart from Tambobo Bay.

Auro further stated that the Coast Guard is collaborating with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and the local government of Siaton to effectively monitor and inventory these yachts. A recent inspection by the Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority found at least 60 yachts anchored in Tambobo Bay. Among these, 25 were undocumented with no identified owners, 13 had caretakers, and 22 were registered with identified owners.

The involvement of foreigners as owners of many of these yachts necessitates the Bureau of Immigration's verification of their visa status. In addition, the Coast Guard plans to conduct water sampling of Tambobo Bay as part of its marine environmental protection mandate, addressing potential hazards such as oil spills that could impact the bay's marine ecosystem.

Moreover, Auro highlighted the importance of authorized salvage operations for submerged or sunken yachts to ensure appropriate procedures are followed without compromising the bay's waters.