DWDD: Eastmincom hosts 34th Philippine-Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 5): Eastmincom hosts 34th Philippine-Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference



The 34^th Republic of the Philippines and Republic of Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference was convened at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City on 4-6 November 2015.  The Conference is held annually to discuss areas of mutual concern regarding border issues.

In his opening statement, LTGEN AURELIO B BALADAD, Chairman of the Philippine Border Committee, noted that the Conference showcases four decades of peaceful and harmonious relations between the two countries.  He expressed hope that the existing 1975 Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreements would be revised to meet the requirements of the times.  LAKSDA TNI DARWANTO, S.H., M.A.P., Chairman of the Indonesian Border Committee, said that the discussions of the committee aim to enhance cooperation addressing border and maritime concerns of the two biggest archipelagic states of the world.

The Sub-Committee on Border Patrol and Communications discussed the need to  consider the inclusion of civilian maritime law enforcement agencies in conducting coordinated patrols, update the medium of communications used during maritime patrol operations, and cover other transnational and organized crimes (such as drug trafficking and migrant smuggling) in the list of border offenses.

 

 

The Sub Committee on Border Crossing and Intelligence discussed matters relating to the implementation of the 1975 Philippines-Indonesia Border Crossing Agreement.  The two  sides discussed the deployment of immigration and customs officers and documentation issues, as well as intelligence and information sharing procedures in the Border Crossing Stations.

In view of recent developments in both countries, parlicularly the signing of the Philippines-Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone Boundary Delimitation Agreement, both countries agreed to set-up an internal Technical Working Group to review the 1975 Philippines-Indonesia Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreements.

The 35^th Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference will be held in Manado, Indonesia in 2016

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/eastmincom-hosts-34th-philippine-indonesia-border-committee-chairmens-conference/