Indonesian President Joko Widodo shakes hands with President Rodrigo Duterte during the launching of the Davao-Gensan-Bitung route at the Kudos Port in Davao City. The M/V Super Shuttle RORO 14, the first roll-on/roll-off vehicle to ply the new trade route set off its maiden voyage on Sunday, April 30, 2017. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaooday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Government forces of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia will embark on a coordinated patrol for a week in a bid to strengthen security of the countries’ common boundary.
In a statement Sunday, Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the coordinated patrol will commence on Tuesday morning, July 4 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
“The Indonesian delegates are expected to arrive 8:30 am on Monday in Sasa Wharf, Davao City and they will be accorded with an arrival ceremony by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao,” Balagtey said.
“(This) 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 and enhance the inter-operability of the two countries in maritime patrol,” he added.
Balagtey said the patrol will formally start with a send-off ceremony on Thursday morning at Sasa Wharf Davao City
A medical mission will also be conducted by military medical personnel aboard the patrolling vessels in a stop-over at Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental on July 7, 2017 with the participation of the local government unit.
The coordinated patrol is expected to culminate on July 12, 2017 in a closing ceremony in Manado, Indonesia.
The Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to cooperate against terrorism and violent extremism. On June 21, President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo had a phone conversation and agreed to step up the two countries’ fight versus threats of terrorism.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Widodo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, as well as restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines.
Abella said that both leaders noted the importance of the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The three countries have agreed to work together to develop and implement counter-terrorism measures and strategies to prevent terrorists from establishing its hub in this part of Southeast Asia.
He said the trilateral meeting last June 22 aimed to foster cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighbouring states.
“Let us underline that their joint aim and the end game is to prevent the establishment of operational bases in Southeast Asia,” he said.(davaotoday.com)
