Philippines, Indonesia agree to review 1975 border patrol agreement

November 20, 2019

The Philippines and Indonesia agreed to review the 1975 border patrol and border crossing agreement as part of its effort to counter terrorism and ensure maritime security.

Lt. Col. Ezra. Balagtey, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, said Indonesia and Philippines agreed on the review during the conference in Davao City.

He said the 38th Republic of the Philippines – Republic of Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference, hosted by the Philippine Government through the Eastern Mindanao Command was held at Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang City on Tuesday.

"It is also the intent of both Committees to jumpstart the review of the 1975 Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreements that will seek to recommend amendments of its provisions to be attuned to the prevailing situation in maritime security and terrorism in both countries," he added.

Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos, chief of the Eastmincom, said the review was proposed by the Philippines.

"We proposed for the review because that is 1975 agreement, we have our chairman's meeting yearly to strengthen the agreement and propose some amendment on our level,'' he said,

''We are proposing of the review because the 1975 border crossing agreement, with the improvement of technology, transportation, it needs to be reviewed to strengthen security measures," he said.

"We want to review that because of the increasing security concern with terrorism and with transnational crime, with smuggling at the borders. We want to strengthen that ( agreement)  so other provisions in the agreement will be amended," he added.

Balagtey said the meeting is expected to culminate on Thursday.

Balagtey said committees "agreed to continuously intensify the conduct of coordinated patrol operations that will seek to ensure security and maritime control in both countries' common borders." 

"Considering the porous shorelines of the archipelagic domains, both Committees also looked into the continuous operationalization of the Border Crossing Stations situated at common border areas in order to provide a systematic scheme in closely monitoring the entry and exit of the nationals of both countries," Balagtey said. Robina Asido/DMS

"It seeks to review and strengthen the existing  measures to ensure the safe passage of the respective nationals of both countries, to include the protection of fisher folks in the border areas en route to the fishing grounds at high seas," he said.Robina Asido/DMS