Military Deploys Reconnaisscance Planes on Indonesia-Philippines Border

An Indonesian CN -235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Jakarta, 8 Ramadan 1438/3 June 2017 (MINA) – Indonesian Air Force has deployed its recoinnaissance planes and troops to secure and anticipate militant groups entering through the country’s border areas shared with the Philippines, the military’s spokesperson Maj. Gen. Wuryanto was quoted by Antara News as saying here on Friday.

“These forces, including the spy planes, will run a surveillance mission on the countrys northern border with the Philippines,” Wuryanto added at the Military Headquarters in Jakarta.

Besides the Air Force, the country’s navy personnel will intensify the security by deploying submarines and warships.

“We have readied our fleets at the northern border in some islands, including Sulawesi, North Maluku, and Kalimantan,” the spokesperson remarked, while adding that the Army’s military command (Kodam) will continue to monitor some of the country’s remote islands in the border areas.

“We will increase the number of troops in the border areas,” he noted.

The military, according to Wuryanto will coordinate with the police, provincial governments, immigration office, and other stakeholders.

Early detection at all levels

Meanwhile, Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo had earlier said its personnel have stepped up security on all borders, including some alternative routes that are prone to be used by the militants.

“To prevent the militants from entering the country, we will be more vigilant by performing early detection at all levels,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mulyono stated at his office in Jakarta.

Earlier last week, clashes had broken out in Marawi, a city in southern island of Mindanao, the Philippines.

An IS-linked militant group, Maute had raided the city and burnt most public facilities, including schools, churches, buildings, and detention centers.

The Philippines joint task forces are still attempting to recapture the besieged city.

Indonesias Foreign Affairs Ministry had stated in late May that an Indonesian passport was found at the city, and that an Indonesian citizen was suspected to have been killed during the clash, spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir stated.

Because the details are yet to be confirmed, the Indonesian government is waiting before releasing more information.

The ministry had previously said that 11 Indonesian citizens were staying in the city.

About 10 or 11 Indonesian citizens, who were staying in Marawi, are members of the country’s Islamic group: “Jamaah Tabligh.”

The group had traveled to the Philippines to perform missionary activities called “khuruj. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)