Philippines, Indonesia Closes 37th Border Patrol with Significant Feats

 

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 March 16-17 through the Sea Phase; the Second Leg on May 3-7 with the Opening Ceremony in Manado City, Indonesia; and the Third Leg on September 14-16.

 

The Fourth Leg's Sea Phase, held on November 10-14, was participated by the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) from the Philippine Navy and KRI TONGKOL-813 from the Indonesian Navy. Its Harbor Phase included the docking of participating ships at CAPT Feranil Pier and the Closing Ceremony hosted by EastMinCom at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Mess Hall on November 14.

 

NFEM Commander Commo. Carlos V. Sabarre graced the culmination on behalf of EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol as head of the Philippine contingent, while First Admiral TNI Teguh Prasetya, the Commander of Maritime Security Task Force, 2nd Fleet Command, Indonesian Navy, led the Indonesian delegates.

 

"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," FAdm. Prasetya said during the Closing Ceremony.

 

Meanwhile, Commo. 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.

 

Before this, EastMinCom Deputy Commander BGen. Consolito P. Yecla also accorded a traditional military honor to FAdm. Prasetya and his party during their visit to the Command's Headquarters.

 

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 May 5 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 November 5.