Phl, Indonesia to enhance interoperability; secure maritime borders

DAVAO CITY — As the 37th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the Philippines and Indonesia (PHILINDO) culminated on 14 November, the two countries vowed to enhance interoperability and secure their maritime borders.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said the two countries will strengthen ties of both countries against piracy, illegal crossing, and other transnational criminal activities carried out through Harbor and Sea Phases.

CORPAT PHILINDO is a four-leg joint patrol between the Indonesian Navy and the Philippine Navy, aiming to enhance the interoperability and secure the maritime borders of both countries against piracy, illegal crossing, and other transnational criminal activities carried out through harbor and sea phases.

This year's CORPAT began on 16 and 17 March through the sea phase; the second leg from 3 to 7 May with the opening ceremony in Manado City, Indonesia; and the third leg from 14 to 16 September.

The fourth leg's sea phase, held from 10 to 14 November, was participated by the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) from the Philippine Navy and KRI TONGKOL-813 from the Indonesian Navy.

The harbor phase included the docking of the participating ships.

Meanwhile, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) commander, Commodore Carlos Sabarre, emphasized the stronger cooperation and relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines through the continuous interaction of both countries' armed forces.

"Over the course of this operation, we have witnessed the strength of our partnership, the professionalism of our forces, and the shared commitment to security and stability. This CORPAT PHILINDO has been an effective avenue to further enhance the spirit of comradeship, mutual respect as well as strengthening our bond as neighboring countries," he said.

Some of the accomplishments logged during this year's CORPAT include the repatriation of six Filipinos from Indonesia to the Philippines aboard the PS-37 on 5 May and the interception of the fishing vessel M/B Princess Sarah, carrying 600 master cases of smuggled cigarettes southwest off Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental on 5 November.

"Once again, we have witnessed a successful CORPAT PHILINDO done by the Philippine Navy and Indonesian Navy. We ensure that the results of Coordinated Patrol will contribute to a stronger and closer partnership of the Philippines and Indonesia," said First Admiral TNI Teguh Prasetya, the commander of Maritime Security Task Force, 2nd Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy.