Philippines,Indonesia heighten naval security

Philippines , Indonesia heighten naval security

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (July 29, 2007) – The Philippines and Indonesia have stepped up naval presence at their border area as deterrence against terrorism, criminality and illegal activities at sea, an official said yesterday.

Philippine Navy Commander (Cdr.) Vicente Cejoco said the navy of both countries have "enhanced interoperability in combined naval operations" following 10 days of a Bilateral Naval Exercise Coordinated Patrol, or CORPAT PHILINDO.

CORPAT PHILINDO, conducted July 13 to 23, involved patrol ships BRP Sultan Kudarat of the Philippines and KRI Sutedi Senaputra of Indonesia.

"CORPAT PHILINDO was conducted in order to secure the border areas between the Philippines and Indonesia from illegal activities, to test the existing doctrines and operational procedures being practiced by both RP and RI ( Republic of Indonesia) Navies and to enhance the efficiency and foster harmonious relationships among the participating units," Cejoco said in a report.

"It is a routine activity jointly conducted by both countries to comply with the country's commitment to international defense and economic agreements and treaties, such as the RP-RI Joint Border Patrol Agreement," Cejoco said.

During the joint exercise, the participating units conducted Flashing Light Exercise (FLASHEX), Replenishment at Sea Approach (RAS-AP), Flag Hoist Exercise (FLAGEX) and Tactical Maneuver (TACEX), said Cejoco, commanding officer of BRP Sultan Kudarat.

The participating units went to Bitung, Indonesia on July 16 for courtesy calls to local government officials and goodwill games the following days.

While in Indonesia, Cdr. Cejoco coordinated with Cdr. John Eco, Philippine Navy liaison officer in Manado, Indonesia and with Philippine Consul General Olivia Palala for the release of two Filipino fishermen previously apprehended by Indonesian Navy for illegal entry.

The fishermen - Albert Miquiabas of General Santos City and Pablo Pabalay of Malapatan, Sarangani - were turned over to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation and Sarangani authorities when BRP Sultan Kudarat arrived in Davao City July 23.

Cejoco disclosed the joint exercise has "fostered closer ties between Filipinos and Indonesians despite differences in culture, traditions and religion."

He added the drills enhanced Philippine Navy personnel competence and skills through a series of naval sorties.

Three Philippine towns under JAGS-CT (Jose Abad Santos-Glan-Sarangani Cooperation Triangle) had forged trade and security agreements with Indonesia's northern territories.

JAGS-CT, a local initiative formed in 2003 in support to Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), has been aiming to increase trade, tourism and investments within the cooperation triangle by enhancing cross-border linkages with Indonesia.

In November 2006, mayors of JAGS-CT and local officials from Indonesia's Sangihe Regency signed sisterhood agreements "to promote favorable relations of partnership and cooperation."

The Regency of Sangihe is part of North Sulawesi Province. It lies between the islands of Sulawesi and Mindanao.

Last February, Philippine fishing magnate Marfin Tan and Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez led a trade mission to Tahuna, Sangihe Island, Indonesia by sea from the port of Glan in Sarangani. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/JR)