On September 27, 2017, Lt. General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero inspected the newly renovated Border Crossing Station in Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The renovation of the Station is part of the Command’s efforts to strengthen border security. The station serves as an inter-agency observatory and monitoring station for both the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia on the common border of the two countries in the Celebes Sea.
Presently, there are two Border Crossing Stations situated in the area of the Eastern Mindanao Command. The other Station, which was also renovated, is situated in Cape San Agustin in Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. It complements the Sarangani Border Crossing Station.
Lt. Gen. Guerrero was received and briefed by Sarangani Mayor Virginia Cawa and personnel from the Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and personnel from the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia aboard and manning the Border Crossing Station.
The Philippines and Indonesia conducts annual coordinated patrols as part of its Joint Border Agreement. It is intended to strengthen the security of the common boundary of the two countries in the southern part of the Philippine Archipelago particularly along the Celebes Sea, and to enhance the inter-operability of the two countries in maritime operations.
It can be recalled that Lt. Gen. Guerrero, in his capacity as Commander of EMC, was elected as the Chairman of the newly created Inter-Agency Border Security Coordinating Council in Region XI after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the member agencies on September 15, 2017 at Naval Station Felix Apolinario Panacan, Davao City.
The Inter-Agency Border Security Council will be a mechanism and venue for member agencies in reporting and assessing border security concerns, and in recommending measures to be undertaken. It also defines the role and task of each member agency in securing the country’s border and the territorial waters.
Lt Gen Guerrero has emphasized the need to strengthen border security as a pro-active measure against terrorism.
"We need to continuously strengthen the security of our border to prevent terrorists from using it as a mobility corridor", Guerrero said.
