EastMinCom hosts 32nd RP-RI Border Committee Chairmen's Conference in Davao City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 5): EastMinCom hosts 32nd RP-RI Border Committee Chairmen's Conference in Davao City

The Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command is hosting the 32nd Republic of the Philippines-Republic of Indonesia (RP-RI) Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference which started Wednesday morning at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

Capt. Alberto Caber, EastMinCom spokesperson, said this activity is an enabling process that further strengthens mutual commitment for a peaceful resolution of border issues.

He added that the highlight is the signing of a bilateral agreement on the following agenda:

* To grant navigational lane and allow Philippine flag fishing vessels to pass through Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in going to high seas pocket to conserve time and expenditure.

* To set guidelines with regard to the type and size of vessels and the mandatory safety equipment on board the vessels in crossing the border.

* Extend the area of coordinated patrol operation up to Sulu Islands.

* Modify the concept of operation of coordinated patrol.

* Harmonize border crossing station's standing operating procedures in both Philippines and Indonesia stations.

* Assignment of customs personnel at border crossing stations and restrict transportation of contraband (liquor) across the borders.

“This confidence building measure improves our security relations as evidenced by our willingness to exchange information in order to protect our mutual interest. May I pray for everyone to work together as one team so that we could come up with mutually beneficial solutions to both our concerns. We are hopeful that whatever is finalized in today’s activity will doubly serve our countries and friendship,” Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said.

Representing the Indonesian side is Indonesia Military Area Command VII Major Gen. Tni Bachtiar.

It can be recalled that the Philippines and Indonesia are both signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas which later created the Regional Fisheries Management Organization and thereafter created the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission with the aims of developing resolutions, conservation and management measures relating to fishing operations in the High Seas at the Pacific Ocean.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612780