Institutional Capability in Maritime Policing: The Role of Training and Resource Allocation in the Philippine National Police Maritime Group

Abstract

Maritime policing is a critical public-sector function in archipelagic states, as it integrates law enforcement, maritime governance, public safety, and national sovereignty. In the Philippine context, increasing maritime security challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, have intensified the need to strengthen the institutional capability of frontline agencies such as the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG). This study examines the role of training effectiveness and resource allocation in shaping institutional capability in maritime policing. Anchored in the Resource-Based perspective, the study employs a quantitative explanatory design using a total enumeration of 130 PNP-MG personnel. Data were collected through a structured survey instrument and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression.

Findings reveal that training effectiveness is rated high (M = 3.30), while resource allocation is only adequate (M = 2.71). Institutional capability is assessed as effective (M = 3.01), indicating that while personnel competencies are strong, operational performance remains constrained by resource limitations. Both training effectiveness (r = 0.52) and resource allocation (r = 0.61) show significant positive relationships with institutional capability (p < 0.01). Regression results further indicate that resource allocation is the stronger predictor (β = 0.48) compared to training effectiveness (β = 0.35), with the model explaining 56% of the variance (R² = 0.56).

The study concludes that institutional capability in maritime policing is primarily constrained not by deficiencies in personnel competence, but by limitations in resource allocation. While training enhances operational readiness, inadequate material and logistical support restrict the full realization of these competencies. Strengthening institutional capability, therefore, requires a balanced and integrated approach that combines sustained human capital development with strategic improvements in resource allocation and management.

Keywords: Institutional Capability; Maritime Policing; Training Effectiveness; Resource Allocation; Public Sector Performance; Maritime Security; Philippine National Police Maritime Group

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/16-2-02

Publication date: April 30^th 2026