OTS, PAOCC strengthens inter-agency partnership

On Feb 4, 2026

OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz (center), with PAOCC representatives at the conclusion of their security coordination meeting at the OTS office, January 29 (photo: OTS).

THE Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) held a meeting last January 29 to strengthen their inter-agency partnership to address concerns on the country’s ports being used as exit and entry points by criminal and terrorist elements.

The meeting also reaffirmed the OTS’ role in the formulation, development and implementation of transportation security policies and programs to standardize security measures across all transportation systems in the country.

Particular emphasis was placed on the unique vulnerabilities attendant to the country’s status as an archipelagic state, characterized by extensive coastlines, multiple points of entry, and inherently porous maritime borders.

Discussions centered on prevailing security challenges in the maritime transportation sector, including the systematic identification, accounting, and monitoring of unauthorized or illegal ports and maritime routes exploited for illicit and criminal activities.

In attendance were PAOCC Head of the Office for Integrated Operations, Officer-in-Charge PSO VI Ronaldo R. Mendoza, other PAOCC officials, and OTS Executive Assistant Atty. Ernesto V. Tendero Jr.