Terror threats prompt RP-Indon border pact review

DAVAO CITY — The increasing threats of terrorism have prompted the Philippines and Indonesia to review their existing border agreement signed in 1975.

The review was proposed during the 23rd Philippine-Indonesia Border Committee Vice Chairmen’s Conference held yesterday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here.

The conference also tackled other concerns affecting the borders of the two neighboring countries.

"There were discussions on the current issue of terrorism but these were not extensive since the time was so limited. What was the common consensus was for the review of the existing border agreement," a reliable source told The STAR. The conference was strictly off-limits to the media.

Authorities have been on high alert as suspected members of the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah have reportedly been frequently crossing the border without the necessary travel documents, taking off from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Several Indonesian illegals have been arrested in the past, in most instances, selling smuggled items in General Santos City and in the coastal towns of South Cotabato. Fishermen make up the bulk of Filipinos arrested in Indonesia.

Among other measures, the joint border committee proposed a more efficient monitoring and the restriction of border-crossers within a 25-mile radius with their residential addresses as point of reference.

In yesterday’s conference, Filipino and Indonesian officials also tackled the possible inclusion of the maritime police and immigration agencies in border-crossing activities which the Navy and the Coast Guard are mainly undertaking.

The capabilities of existing border-crossing stations, they urged, should also be enhanced. This, as the stations in Tarakan will be expanded to cover the Indonesian island of Nunukan.

The officials of the two countries also moved for the setting up of sea lanes for commercial seacraft to enhance bilateral trade.

Navy South Commander Jose Alberto Velasco and Commodore Moeklas Sidik, commander of the Indonesian sea security task force, led the participants to the conference.