Indonesian and Philippine Navies to Step Up Sea Patrols

The Indonesian and Philippine Navies will conduct joint sea patrols to heighten efforts to tackle arms smuggling and terrorism, according to a top Indonesian naval officer.

Indonesian Navy chief of staff Admiral Agus Suhartono said the two navies had so far conducted routine joint patrols along their common sea borders in a coordinated way, according to antara.co.id.

"We will conduct joint patrols in April to curb smuggling activity and terrorist acts," he said.

"The Indonesian Navy has also been conducting joint patrols with the Malaysian, Singapore and Thai Navies to secure the Malacca Strait."

Indonesian National Defence Forces spokesman Commodore Sagom Tamboen said the navy had been increasing its patrols in waterways across the country, particularly those often used by foreign ships, in an effort to prevent smuggling activity and acts of terrorism.