Indonesian, Malaysian navies visit Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Indonesian and Malaysian navies made a three-day port call in Tawi-Tawi starting on Monday as part of the trilateral cooperative agreement (TRICA) with the Philippine Navy.

The Royal Malaysian Navy is headed by Capt. Zahari Bin Samsuri and Tentara Nacional Indonesia by Col. Nan Isnandar.

The navies were welcomed by personnel of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, Gov. Rashidin Matba and Panglima Sugala Mayor Rejie Sahali-Generale at the Naval  Station Juan Magluyan in Barangay Patu-Patu.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the TRICA aims to strengthen maritime operations among the three countries as well as curtail piracy and other crimes perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits and other extremist groups through trilateral patrol at their common border. 

The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia tightened security at their borders following a spate of hijackings and kidnappings.

“We will sustain our cooperation with our neighbors to address security challenges in areas of common concerns,” Galvez said.

He said the trilateral security cooperation is also expected to curb smuggling, human trafficking and transshipment of drugs. – Roel Pareño, Michael Punongbayan, John Unson