By Roel Pareño
ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will allow its counterparts from Indonesia and Malaysia to enter Philippine waters to track down Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command said allowing the presence of Indonesian and Malaysian military forces in maritime areas of common concern is provided under the trilateral agreement.
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia entered into an agreement last year allowing the three countries to conduct patrols in the waters off Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
“Based on the agreement, we can allow the hot pursuit to neutralize the threat provided there is prior coordination with the concerned countries,” Galvez said.
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are also planning to designate an area for the deployment of navy and air force multi-forces on rotational basis.
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