RP, Indonesia step up fight against terror

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Philippine government and neighboring Indonesia have joined efforts to further their fight against terrorism by establishing naval visibility in their respective sea borders.

Philippine Navy Commander Vicente Cejoco said the lessons learned from the 10-day bilateral naval exercises dubbed as Coordinated Patrol or CORPAT PHILINDO would also help both countries fight other forms of criminal and illegal activities at sea.

Cejoco said the exercises, held in Indonesia from July 13 to 23 and participated in by patrol ships BRP Sultan Kudarat of the Philippines and KRI Sutedi Senaputra of Indonesia, have enhanced interoperability of the combined naval operations of the two countries.

“CORPAT PHILINDO was conducted in order to secure the border areas between the Philippines and Indonesia from illegal activities, to test the existing doctrines and operational procedures being practiced by both RP and RI (Republic of Indonesia) Navies and to enhance the efficiency and foster harmonious relationships among the participating units,” said Cejoco, commanding officer of BRP Sultan Kudarat.

Cejoco said the exercise is a routine activity conducted by both countries to comply with the Philippines’ commitment to international defense and economic agreements and treaties, such as the RP-RI Joint Border Patrol Agreement.         – John Paul Jubelag