Delegates from the Indonesian Navy arrived in Sasa Wharf in this city yesterday in preparation for a coordinated border patrol with the Philippines.
The delegates were welcomed by the officers and staff of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Indonesian Consul General Berlian Napitupulu.
“We are grateful that the ship [came] here for the coordinated patrol. This is the implementation of our border agreement. We’ve been doing it since 1986,” said Napitupulu.
The joint coordinated patrol with the Philippines will commence in a military ceremony on Tuesday morning, July 4, at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
Members of the Indonesian navy receives a warm welcome from Philippine officials and the Indonesian consul general in the country. Claire Cornelio, ABS-CBN News
Regional Navy spokesperson Lt. James Reyes said the coordinated patrol intends to strengthen the inter-operability of the two countries and enhance security patrol in their common boundaries.
“‘Yan po ang pinaghahandaan natin, ang piracy, smuggling, hi-jacks. That’s why we are conducting this coordinated patrol together with our counterparts,” said Reyes.
The kick-off of the coordinate border patrol is on Thursday, July 6, in Sasa Wharf. A medical mission will also be conducted by military medical personnel aboard the patrolling vessels in Balut Island.
The coordinated maritime patrol is expected to culminate on July 12 in Manado, Indonesia through a closing ceremony.
Re-published from ABS-CBN News
