The Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA) approved the opening of route from the Polloc Port/ Cotabato City Port to Lamitan Port and vice versa for Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) during the 2nd Board Meeting, April 13, 2023.
The opening of the new route came after the pending application for Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of MV Island Paradise, owned by Attorney Pherham S. Saiddi of Saiddi Agri-Farm and Trading, Inc. (SAFTI) with BMARINA.
In attendance was Atty. Abubakar A. Katambak, BMARINA OIC Director, CG Capt Noriel Ramos, Deputy Commander, CGD BARMM, Engr. John C. Lomboy, MTIT- Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Garib A. Abas, BPMA OIC Director and Atty. Paisalin P. Tago CPA, MOTC Minister as the Chairperson. Alonto A. Sahiron, Chief MIDS of BMARINA, was also invited as a Resource Person to shed light on maritime safety and other relevant concerns.
As agreed by the Board and its counterparts, according to Chairperson Tago, the conduct of its launching is on April 25, 2023. Before its initial voyage and upon compliance with all necessary documents, BMARINA and the Philippine Coastguard (PCG) will conduct their inspection to ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness.
Chairperson Tago expressed optimism that the new route will promote and strengthen the economic activities of the provinces of Maguindanao and Basilan.