RP, Malaysia panels resume talks on border problems

DAVAO CITY - The continuing smuggling and piracy in the Sulu Sea and the Sabah waters in East Malaysia will be tackled at the seventh meeting of the Philippine-Malaysian Border Patrol Coordinating Group to be held today.

Commodore Elonor Padre, chief of the naval Forces South and acting head of the Philippine delegation, said both governments want to address the rampant smuggling, piracy and other illegal activities in the said areas.

He said the two panels would possibly adopt during the meeting a set of rules and regulations to be observed by vessels engaged in trade between the Philippines and Malaysia.

A joint border patrol system shall also be considered for adoption in today's meeting at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Compounding the border problems are the thousands of Filipinos who have illegally entered Malaysia through Sabah.

The Malaysian delegation is headed by First Admiral Noorazman Bin Othman of the Royal Malaysian Navy. -