TEN repatriated Filipino fishermen from Manado, Indonesia arrived at the Sasa Wharf, in Panacan, Davao City on Saturday, July 27, during the recently concluded second leg of this year's Philippine-Indonesian Coordinated Patrol (Corpat PhilIndo).
The 10 repatriates were mostly from General Santos City. They were arrested by Indonesian authorities for illegal entry and illegal fishing in the waters of Indonesia. They were released through the effort of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Liaison in Manado, Indonesia.
They were welcomed by Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Lieutenant General Felimon T. Santos Jr., together with Uriel Norman Garibay of DFA-Mindanao on board the BRP Emilio Jacinto upon their arrival.
The turnover was held following the successful Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise between the Philippines and Indonesia under Corpat PhilIndo, an annual coordinated border patrol operations which seek to further improve coordination and relation between the two countries.
The repatriates were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for processing. They then received assistance before returning to their families.
Meanwhile, Eastmincom reported that during their second leg of the Border Coordinated Patrol, which is part of the continuing effort of both countries through the RP-RI Border Committee of securing the common border, they were able to curtail maritime crimes and stop sea crimes including smuggling and piracy conducted from July 17 to 23 which culminated in Manado, Indonesia on July 24 along Celebes Sea.
The coordinated patrol between the two countries started in 1975 when the Philippines and Indonesia signed the Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreements, aimed at improving maritime security cooperation.
"The coordinated naval operations we are conducting strengthens our relation with Indonesia, boost our security effort and provides both countries the opportunity to develop inter-operability and strengthens cooperation in securing the border," Santos said.