MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of National Defense has allowed Indonesian security forces to enter the Philippine maritime zones in hot pursuit situations to strengthen the collective commitment to address transnational crimes.
DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez, in a statement, said that quote: “consistent with the 1975 border crossing agreement, Indonesian security forces are allowed to enter Philippine maritime zones under the concept of hot pursuit in the same way that Philippine forces are allowed to enter Indonesian maritime zones. Further to this, in such incidents PHL security forces are as well immediately informed so that a coordinated and joint operation could immediately be undertaken. This is a move to further strengthen collective commitment to address, prevent and resolve transnational crimes,”
A report from Jakarta post said the Indonesian government will await for the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to assume office before they finalize an agreement with the Philippines on joint security operations should another hostage-taking incident take place.
The announcement came a week after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped by armed men believed to be Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu Sea.
