11 November 2013 – Thirty-six (36) members of the Philippine Delegation met their Indonesian counterparts in this seaside resort city of Manado in North Sulawesi during the 32nd Indonesia-Philippine Border Committee Vice Chairmen’s Conference on October 22 to 25.
The Philippine delegation was led by Commodore Antonio A Habulan Jr. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while his counterpart First Admiral (Laksamana Pertama) Raja Morni Harahap of the Tentera Nasional Indonesia (TNI), Commandant of Lantamal VIII Manado was the Conference’s host. One of the important highlights of the Conference was the Courtesy Call on North Sulawesi Governor Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang by the Heads of the Delegation and high military officials including Philippine Consul General to Manado Jose dela Rosa Burgos.
The Governor emphasized the steps being undertaken by the North Sulawesi Government in fostering closer ties through inter-connectivity between Mindanao and the province such as the RORO and direct flights projects, needless to mention the conversion of Bitung Port as an “Entry/Gateway Port in North Sulawesi.
High on the agenda of the Conference were the “right of innocent passage” for Philippine commercial vessels to pass through Indonesia’s EEZ to cut on operational costs (for vessels going to the Southern Pacific near Papua New Guinea); the grant of diplomatic clearance to foreign-owned vessels/aircrafts during SAR operations by the Chairmen of the Border Committee; and the minimum safety requirements for vessels plying the border.
The Indonesian side’s concerns were extension of the Coordinated Patrol Operation (CORPAT) area of exercise up to Sulu; border crossers to possess proper identification/immigration documents; and the lack of Border Crossing Customs Officers. Other important matters were discussed to strengthen border security and increase the close cooperation and partnership of the Philippine and Indonesian Navies. The Vice Chairmen’s Conference will be followed by the 32nd Chairmen’s Conference in Davao City in December 2013. END
