Former lawmaker calls for AIS to combat smuggling

FORMER congressman Jericho "Koko" Nograles advocates government investment in automatic identification system (AIS) to combat agriculture smuggling, and illicit tobacco trade, and enhance maritime security in shared areas with neighboring countries.

AIS, a transponder system enabling ship information exchange, could bolster collaborative anti-smuggling efforts among Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The AIS technology and the "Marine Traffic" app can identify vessels.