Security tightened around Balut Island

EASTERN Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) strengthened and improved their security border in the South through the renovation of the Border Crossing Station in Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental to effectively address emerging threats.

Eastmincom public information officer (PIO) Major Ezra Balagtey, in a statement, said that Eastmincom continuously steps up effort to reinforce border security in its area of responsibility for maritime security monitoring so that terrorist groups will not be able to enter its jurisdiction.

“The renovation of the Station is part of the Command’s efforts to strengthen border security. The station serves as an inter-agency observatory and monitoring station for both the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia on the common border of the two countries in the Celebes Sea,” Balagtey said.

Last September 27, Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero went to the newly renovated Border Crossing Station in Balut Island and inspected it and expressed “to prevent terrorists from using it as a mobility corridor.”

Aside from the boarder station in Sarangani, other Border Crossing Stations in Eastmincom area is located in Cape San Agustin in Tibanban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Border Security Coordinating Council in Region 11 was formally created during the signing of a memorandum of understanding with member agencies last September 15 at Naval Station Felix Apolinario Panacan, Davao City.

“The Inter-Agency Border Security Council will be a mechanism and venue for member agencies in reporting and assessing border security concerns, and in recommending measures to be undertaken. It also defines the role and task of each member agency in securing the country’s border and the territorial waters,” Balagtey said.JCR