NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Philippines-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol 2017 has culminated in a military ceremony on July 12, 2017 at 8th Naval Base in Bitung, Indonesia. The closing event, hosted by the Indonesian Military was attended by the Philippine delegates led by EMC Deputy Commander, BGen. Gilbert I. Gapay who was welcomed with military honors.
Before the closing ceremony in Bitung, a medical mission was conducted on July 7, 2017 by the Philippine and Indonesian Navies as part of the Coordinated Patrol, during a stopover of BRP Alcaraz and KRI-812 at Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
The multi-agency activity was also participated in by the Provincial Government of Davao Occidental, Municipal Government of Sarangani, Philippine Coast Guard, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, 10th Infantry Division, Eastern Mindanao Command and other volunteer organizations, which benefitted 724 medical and dental patients.
During the border patrol, the crew of BRP Alcaraz and KRI-812 conducted communications exercises to develop inter-operability. Further, their coordination and capabilities on water search and rescue were likewise tested as they patrolled the southern waters of the archipelago. Furthermore, the two military sea craft challenged vessels plying along the route of patrol to prevent terrorist from using the sea lanes.
It could be recalled that the annual activity of the Republic of the Philippines and Republic of Indonesia commenced following a military ceremony on July 4, 2017, while the actual border patrol started on July 6, 2017 after the contingents from both countries were sent-off at Sasa Wharf, Davao City.
The Coordinated Patrol of Philippines and Indonesia is intended to strengthen the security within Davao Gulf and the common boundaries of both countries along the Celebes Sea.