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Trilateral agreement against Abu Sayyaf threat in force: Defense Minister
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Indonesia Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu speaks at the third Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, recently. (The Jakarta Post/Zul Edoardo)
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ndonesia’s Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu claims that the trilateral agreement on maritime security signed by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Philippine defense ministers in early August, has been in force to secure regional waters.
Ryamizard asserted that the three countries had already conducted several measures to secure trade routes in the shared sea territory against threats from Abu Sayyaf, including to begin guarding coal export barges traveling between the countries.
"Coal exports generate income for our country, while the Philippines, which depends on our [coal] exports, will also benefit from it. [The agreement] give us advantages and therefore [the countries] should cooperate," Ryamizard said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Philippines' latest military raid on the militant group in southern Philippines, which resulted in heavy casualties for Abu Sayyaf, was part of Manila's commitment in accordance with the agreement, namely to end the kidnappings and hijackings, Ryamizard claimed.
While the trilateral agreement had allowed military personnel to cross sea borders in "hot pursuit" of militants and emergency situations, with the prior knowledge of the "trespassed party", the pact had yet to authorize land-based operations due to constitutional reasons from the Philippines' side. (ags)
