THE Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to continuously enhance border security, particularly along the Celebes Sea, to prevent terrorism and maritime crimes in the border of the two countries.
New Indonesian Consul-General Dicky Fabrian and Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief, briefly discussed the matter during the envoy’s courtesy call Monday, June 17, with the Philippine military official in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom information officer, said the two leaders initially discussed the possible improvement of the Border Crossing Stations in Balut, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental as part of the measure of strengthening border security.
Balagtey said they further talked about the ways and possibilities of enhancing the regular conduct of coordinated patrols between the two countries in the border as stated in the 1975 Republic of the Philippines-Republic of Indonesia (RP-RI) Border Agreement.
The two countries have increased the frequency of the conduct of coordinated patrol for this year from two legs to four legs, wherein the 10-day first leg was conducted from May 1 to 10, while the second leg is expected to take place on the second week of July.
Meanwhile, Balagtey said that Fabrian 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 slated to be held from July 12 to 14.
Santos, in return, has expressed his support to the different activities of the Consulate in Eastern Mindanao.
“Rest assured of the support of Eastern Mindanao Command not only in securing our common border but also in all socio-economic activities of your consulate and Indonesian government benefiting the Indonesians in Eastern Mindanao and those that will strengthen the bilateral relation of our countries,” Santos said. (SunStar Philippines)