THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) reported significant accomplishments as the 37th Coordinated Patrol (Corpat) between the Philippines and Indonesia concluded in a ceremony on Nov. 14.
Lt Col Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel Manuel, EastMinCom spokesperson, said the Corpat is a four-leg joint patrol between the Indonesian Navy and the Philippine Navy, aiming to enhance the interoperability and secure the maritime borders against piracy, illegal crossing, and other transnational criminal activities.
This year’s Corpat began on March 16-17 through the Sea Phase; the second leg on May 3-7 with the opening ceremony in Manado City, Indonesia; and the third leg on Sept. 14-16.
The fourth leg’s sea phase, held on Nov. 10-14, was participated by the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) from the Philippine Navy and KRI TONGKOL-813 from the Indonesian Navy.
Its Harbor Phase included the docking of participating ships at CAPT Feranil Pier and the closing ceremony was hosted by EastMinCom at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Mess Hall on Nov. 14.
NFEM commander Commo. Carlos V. Sabarre graced the culmination on behalf of EastMinCom commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol as head of the Philippine contingent, while First Admiral TNI Teguh Prasetya, the commander of Maritime Security Task Force, 2nd Fleet Command, Indonesian Navy, led the foreign delegates.
“Once again, we have witnessed a successful Corpat PhilIndo done by the Philippine Navy and Indonesian Navy. We ensure that the results of coordinated patrol will contribute to a stronger and closer partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia,” Prasetya said during the closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, Sabarre emphasized the stronger cooperation and relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines through the continuous interaction of both countries’ armed forces.
“Over the course of this operation, we have witnessed the strength of our partnership, the professionalism of our forces, and the shared commitment to security and stability. This Corpat PhilIndo has been an effective avenue to further enhance the spirit of comradeship, mutual respect, as well as strengthening our bond as neighboring countries,” he said.
Before this, EastMinCom deputy commander BGen. Consolito P. Yecla also accorded a traditional military honor to Prasetya and his party during their visit to the command’s HQ.
Some of the accomplishments logged during this year’s CORPAT included the repatriation of six Filipinos from Indonesia to the Philippines aboard the PS-37 on May 5 and the interception of the fishing vessel M/B Princess Sarah, carrying 600 master cases of smuggled cigarettes southwest off Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Nov. 5.
Photo courtesy of the Eastern Mindanao Command
