PH, Indonesia conduct joint maritime patrol

From Update.Ph (Jun 5): PH, Indonesia conduct joint maritime patrol  

The Philippines and Indonesia have conducted an 8-day coordinated patrol in Philippine-Indonesia maritime border that ended June 2. The joint maritime patrol activity was dubbed as CORPAT PHILINDO XXX-16 joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines – Eastern and Western Mindanao Commands, and Indonesian Armed Forces.

The closing ceremony was held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan Davao City.

“The activity was graced by Commodore Elson K Aguilar of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao representing Lt General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, Indonesian Acting Consul General TatianaHandayani and was attended by the delegates from Indonesian Navy and Eastern Mindanao Command,” Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) said.

The joint patrol aimed to secure the border areas between the Philippines and Indonesia from any illegal activities as well as to enhance the interoperability and foster harmonious working relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The opening ceremony was held May 25 Manado City, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Philippine forces utilized the Miguel Malvar-class corvette BRP Pangasinan (PS-31). Indonesia utilized KRI Sura (802).

EASTMINCOM said the activity also paved the way for the Department of Foreign Affairs repatriation of 128 Filipino fishermen who were apprehended in the high seas of Indonesia. The first batch composed of 35 repatriates arrived in the early afternoon of May 25, 2016 aboard C295 of the Philippine Airforce under Colonel Alejandro Baclayon at Tactical Operations Group XI, Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City while the second batch composed of 93 repatriates arrived at Makar Wharf General Santos City on the evening of May 29, 2016 via BRP Pangasinan.

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/ph-indonesia-conduct-joint-maritime-patrol/6264