Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia boost intel vs kidnappings

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Military officials from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia yesterday agreed to strengthen intelligence gathering and maritime patrols to stop kidnappings in the border.

Security officials of the three countries attended a meeting here to thresh out their operational challenges.

The meeting was attended by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command, and Admiral Putu Arya Angga and Brig. Gen. Mahmud Bin Ahmad, of the Indonesian and Malaysian armed forces, respectively.

“We recognize the need to launch coordinated air and sea patrols to end kidnappings,” Sobejana told reporters.