Philippine Navy, Indonesia kicks off civil-military exercise in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): Philippine Navy, Indonesia kicks off civil-military exercise in Davao

The joint members of the Philippine Navy and Indonesia formally began the joint civil-military exercise called Corpat-PHILINDO XXVII-13 Tuesday in a simple ceremony at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Headquarters in Camp Panacan.

The exercise is aimed at improving the interoperability of both contingents in guarding their respective territorial waters in the Celebes Sea against terrorism, smuggling and illegal fishing.

Captain Severino David, deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the joint civil-military exercise would be preceded with friendship basketball game Tuesday afternoon.

He said on Wednesday naval vessels of the Philippines and Indonesia would sail for Sarangani Island in Davao del Sur to conduct a medical- dental outreach program.

David said that on Thursday, both contingents proceed to Maruri Island, the first Islet of Indonesia on South to conduct the same activity for the Indonesian residents there.

“We’ll be conducting medical-dental assistance to the Filipinos and Indonesian in these areas,” he said.David said that in returning home, the Philippines will also pick-up three Filipinos arrested for illegal fishing in the Indonesian waters.

He said the Philippine Navy will bring the three Filipino to G’lan, Sarangani Province for processing at the Bureau of Immigration Office.

David said the joint exercise will involve two naval vessels and one airplane.

He said through the respective naval forces, Philippines and Indonesia have been working together to address the issues like terrorism and smuggling of illegal drugs.

Lt. Colonel Ardiansyah Muqsit, military attaché of Indonesia, said both navies will conduct communication exercise and replenishment of logistics at sea.

He said the border-crossing agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines is working smoothly to ensure the entry of fishermen from both sides without getting arrested.

Ardiansyah affirmed that the joint exercise will strengthen ties of both countries on their respective stance against terrorism and transnational crimes.

“We cannot allow anyone to bring guns and drugs to Indonesia from the Philippines or vice versa. We will also run after undocumented fishermen who conduct fishing expedition in our territory,” he said.

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