From the Borneo Post Online (Sep 11): Safe passage in Sulu Straits
TAWAU: A Joint Working Group Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (JWG TCA) involving Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia has been established to discuss detailed cooperation to ensure security in Sulu Straits.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the three countries were strengthening their cooperation and security patrols through the Sulu Sea Patrol (SSP) template which has been used for eight years in focusing on Coordinated Sea Patrol, Eyes In The Sky and Intelligence Exchange.
Hishammuddin, who is also the vice-president of Umno, said this template was well suited and applicable in the Sulu Sea to ensure the security in the Sulu Straits is always well-maintained from pirate activities, armed robbery, kidnapping and invasions.
“The JWG TCA group had convened about three main Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which are Maritime Patrol and Rendering Immediate Assistance and Rules of Engagement (ROE), Operating Guidelines on Information and Intelligence Sharing, and Combined Communication Plan."
“According to the three SOPs, a Maritime Command Center of the three countries has been identified and started to interact for data sharing. Quick and responsive assistance would also be provided to any individual or ship in trouble at sea."
“Besides, a transit corridor for safe passage has also been identified and jointly agreed to as a designated sea lane. Every ship should report to the authority through the Notice to Mariners method,” he told the media after officiating at the delegates meeting of Umno Kalabakan P191 at Tawau community hall here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin congratulated Umno Sabah for growing into a matured party which has been well-accepted by the people in Sabah since it set foot in the state 25 years ago.
“The presence of Umno in different districts in Sabah is manageable and encouraging but we cannot be complacent as public support is needed for more Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates to win in the next general election,” he said.
http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/09/11/safe-passage-in-sulu-straits/
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