Philippines, Indonesia deepen cooperation vs terrorism, smuggling, trafficking

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The border committees of the Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen intelligence exchange and information sharing against terrorism, smuggling and human trafficking across the two countries’ borders, a government representative said Wednesday.

Lieutenant General Arthur Tabaquero, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) who also sits as chair of the Philippines’ 30th border committee, said the border committees of the two countries have also agreed to coordinate border patrol operations more closely by involving aircraft in the search for and rescue of trafficked persons.

Both countries also agreed to review existing provisions of the Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreement signed on March 11, 1975 to make it more responsive to the needs of the times, Tabaquero said.

He said representatives from both countries have been fine-tuning the border agreement as recommended by the two parties during the 29th chairmen’s conference in Manado, Indonesia, the previous year.

Among the recommendations was to increase the frequency of border patrol exercises between the Philippine and Indonesian navies to enhance the “interoperability” of the naval forces of the two nations to respond promptly to threats in the region.

Tabaquero said improving the coordination between border patrols in Mindanao and Manado in Indonesia will not only improve security in the area and smoothen ties with Indonesia but will also spur business and trade.

“When we talk about border crossing cooperation, we’re not only concerned about security but also trade and business,” Tabaquero said.

Foreign terrorists identified with the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah were reportedly coming in and out of Mindanao via the so-called backdoor corridor to connect with their local allies, particularly the Abu Sayyaf.

The military has repeatedly claimed that several JI operatives have been monitored in Sulu and other Mindanao areas in recent months.

“Intelligence exchange and information sharing will allow us to closely monitor and apprehend lawless elements that might be traversing the waters of Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said.  “It will also create an atmosphere conducive to trade and business in the area.”