EASTERN Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rex Luis Bergante on Monday stated that the third leg of CORPAT-PHILINDO 38-2024 aims to continue building a strong foundation for international cooperation and interoperability.
The goal is to address and respond to emerging threats and ensure the safety, security, and peace in the maritime area.
Bergante delivered this message during the Opening Ceremony of the Philippine–Indonesia Border Committee, which is hosting the PH-IDBC Ceremonial Opening from September 9-11, 2024, and the Third Leg of CORPAT PHILINDO XXXVIII from September 12-13, 2024, in Camp Panacan.
Welcome remarks
“On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of the Philippines, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone. I’d like to particularly extend warm greetings to our Indonesian counterparts. Mabuhay—the Filipinos’ customary salutation that conveys wishes of long life,” Bergante said.
“We are very grateful to all of you, Head of Delegation, First Admiral May Franky Pasuna Sihombing, Commander of Main Naval Base (CMNB) VIII Manado, and distinguished members of the Indonesian Delegation, for your support and cooperation,” he added.
Continuing collaboration
“I am pleased to co-chair this engagement with our Indonesian counterparts and also host the opening ceremony of CORPAT PHILINDO 38-2024, even while the exercises are already in the third phase,” he said. “Despite our hectic schedules which led to a slight delay, our enthusiasm for this collaboration remains clear. It provides another opportunity to bond, discuss, and consolidate our wins in this journey towards forging a strategic partnership.”
Deep ties and shared challenges
Bergante highlighted the history of cooperation: “These exercises are not new to us. For over three decades, our border committees have worked hand-in-hand to organize this activity and ensure success. It’s a testament to the deep ties between the Philippines and Indonesia, fostering not only cooperation between our navies as Southeast Asian neighbors but also genuine camaraderie.”
He acknowledged the challenges the region faces: “We all understand that Southeast Asia faces a range of shared challenges. Our countries, in particular, find common ground in our defense and security concerns. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, and we face threats such as terrorism and transnational crime, which make it imperative for us to work together, leveraging our diversity to create stronger solutions.”
Looking forward
Bergante expressed optimism for the future: “With all this in mind, I am hopeful that Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through our Border Committees and exercises such as this, will continue to build a strong foundation for international cooperation and interoperability. By sharing our knowledge and best practices, we can address and respond to emerging threats and ensure the safety, security, and peace of our maritime areas for everyone.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude: “In closing, I would like to again express my sincere gratitude to the Tentara Nasional Indonesia for forging the path towards a stronger and more productive alliance in the years to come. Terima kasih banyak! (Thank you very much!)”
Participants and attendees
The Phil-Indonesia exercises involve 49 military personnel and officers from EastMinCom, PS 37 (patrolship 37), and five Naval air operations squadron eastern Mindanao, along with 58 Indonesian Navy personnel and officers.
Also present during the ceremony were Commodore Alfonspin Tumanda Jr., Commander, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Vice Chairman of the Republic of the Philippines Border Committee; other members of the Indonesian delegation; chief of Unified command staff of the EastMinCom Col. Jorry Baclor; and other officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and guests.
