Philippine, Indonesian military recommend amending 1975 border patrol, crossing agreement

November 21, 2019

The Philippines and Indonesia Border Committee will recommend the amendment of the 1975 border patrol and crossing agreement to their national defense and foreign affairs departments following a conference in Davao City on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesman, said the recommendation  was discussed during the 38th Philippines – Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference.

"Actually that was discussed, that they (committees) will level it up to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and to the counterpart in Indonesia, so its more on recommendation," Balagtey  told Daily Manila Shimbun in a phone interview Thursday.

Balagtey said their recommendation will be submitted to the general headquarters of the AFP which will forward it to Department of National Defense (DND) up to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"They (committees) will elevate their recommendation to the DFA and DND of both countries," he said.

"We will pass it (recommendation) to the GHQ and the GHQ will also elevate this to DND," he added.

Balagtey did not give details of the agreement that needs to be amended.

"There are no specifics yet. The details for the amendment are still (up) for finalization," he said.

Balagtey said conference formally ended on Wednesday. The Indonesian and Philippine forces wrapped up the event through goodwill games held in Davao City Thursday. Robina Asido/DMS