Philippines, Indonesia agree to strengthen maritime security

June 17, 2019

The Philippines and Indonesia on Monday agreed to enhance security along Celebes Sea to prevent terrorism and maritime crimes from taking place.  

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said this was agreed during the courtesy call of Indonesian Consul General Dicky Fabrian to Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., at  Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City Monday.

"Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commander Eastern Mindanao Command, and Honorable Dicky  Fabrian the new Consul General of Indonesia in Davao City agreed to continuously enhance the border security of the two countries along the Celebes Sea to prevent terrorism, sea and maritime crimes to transpire in the area," he said.

They initially discussed the possible improvement of the border crossing stations in Balut, Saranggani, Davao Occidental and Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental  as part of strengthening border security, said Balagtey.

"They further talked on the ways and possibilities of enhancing regular conduct of coordinated patrols between the two countries in the border as stated in the 1975 RP-RI Border Agreement," he added.

Balagtey said the Philippines and Indonesia increased coordinated patrol for this year from two legs to four legs.

The first  leg was conducted from May 1-10, while the second leg is expected to start in the second week of July.

"Consul General Fabrian (also) extends and opens his invitation to soldiers who are interested to learn Bahasa language and to the Indo Trade, Tourism and Food Expo in Davao City on July 12-14, 2019, (while) Lt. Gen Santos in return expressed his support to the different activities of the Consulate in Eastern Mindanao," said Balagtey. Robina Asido/DMS