Problem areas identified
25 The general problem areas relate to the geographical configuration of the Philippines, the current economic situation and the resource constraints on law enforcement agencies.
26 A specific problem area is the reporting of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Reporting falls in a number of phases: the alerting by a ship under attack or threat of attack (the “shout for help”); the alerting of other ships in the area to the incident; reporting by the ship-either directly or through its company or agent-to the coastal State concerned, and to the flag State, after the incident; and reporting by the flag State or other entity to IMO. In this respect it was stated repeatedly by representatives of the Government agencies concerned that it was not possible for them to act in a timely and effective manner if attacks or threats of attack were not reported immediately by the ship to the coastal State.
27 Although regional co-operation has been established on a bilateral basis it does not seem to cover all aspects related to the prevention and suppression of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, for example with regard to reporting, investigation, training and exercises.
MALAYSIA
28 The strategic location of Malaysia having access to both the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca was recognized and Malaysia's significant role in any co-ordinated approach to the issue of piracy and armed robbery against ships was emphasized.
The current state
29 A lot of efforts have been made to curb piracy and armed robbery against ships by Government authorities, the shipping industry and non-governmental bodies. Piracy attacks will continue as long as opportunities exist to make a quick gain. However, stringent patrolling and strict enforcement by the respective authorities will deter pirates and armed robbers from committing more crime at sea.
30 Armed robberies at sea and in coastal waters in Malaysia are mostly confined to the waters of Sabah. In 1996 a total of 46 armed robberies were reported to the police. 37 of these incidents took place in Sabah waters and 9 in the Straits of Malacca. The areas prone to robber attacks in Sabah are in the waters of Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Tawau and Sandakan.
National infrastructure
31 Under the National Security Division of the Prime Minister's Department, a Maritime Enforcement Co-ordination Centre (MECC) was established in 1985 with the objective of co-ordinating the activities of various law enforcement agencies and ensuring that the national assets involved in maritime operations are utilized competently, swiftly and efficientiy. MECC is responsible for gathering information by monitoring maritime activities so that this information may be compiled, analyzed and, where necessary, distributed to related maritime enforcement agencies so that co-ordinated and timely action may be taken. The law enforcement agencies concerned are: Armed Forces, Police, Fisheries, Environment, Marine, Customs, Telecommunications and Immigration. As a co-ordinating agency MECC is also responsible for formulating common procedures to enable the various maritime enforcement agencies to operate together when the need arises. To fulfill this requirement MECC conducts courses, dialogues and joint operations on a regular basis.
