THE Philippines and Indonesia will conduct a joint maritime patrol starting Thursday, July 6, to strengthen the interoperability of the two countries.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command information officer, said the send-off ceremony will be held at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

Balagtey said the annual combined Philippines-Indonesia coordinated patrol will commence with a military ceremony on Tuesday, July 4, at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

He said the Indonesian delegates are expected to arrive Monday, July 3, at Sasa Wharf and they will be accorded with an arrival ceremony by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.

He said the coordinated patrol is intended to strengthen the security of the Davao Gulf and the common boundary of the two countries in the southern part of the Philippine Archipelago particularly along the Celebes Sea.

He said it is also aimed to enhance the inter-operability of the two countries in maritime patrol.

He said a medical mission will be conducted by military medical personnel aboard the patrolling vessels in a stop-over on Friday, July 7, at Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The medical mission will be participated by the Sarangani Municipal Government.

Balagtey said the coordinated patrol is expected to culminate on July 12 in a closing ceremony in Manado, Indonesia. (SunStar Philippines)