Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia agree to strengthen marine security
The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia on June 20 agreed to explore all possibilities, including trilateral air and maritime patrols, to prevent ship kidnappings and attacks in their common sea.
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According to a joint statement released after a meeting held in the Philippine capital of Manila to seek measures to deal with crimes in the Sulu Sea, bordering the three nations, the ministers raised concern over the recent kidnappings and armed robberies in the waters.
They reaffirmed the commitment and collective responsibility of the countries to addressing threats that undermine peace, security and prosperity in the region.
The statement indicated that the three sides agreed in principle for their armed forces and relevant agencies to study coordination activities, focusing on maritime security.
The defence ministers also agreed to establish joint military command posts in the common maritime area as well as increase intelligence sharing among the three sides.
Philippine Department of National Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that proposed measures include the establishment of security hotlines, database on insurgent groups and information sharing mechanisms.
According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, about 100,000 ships passed through the Sulu Sea last year, transporting over 18 million passengers and 60 million tonnes of goods.
