"We have called on the fishermen in Sangihe District to not be afraid if they want to return to their fishing activities at sea, as our personnel have secured the borders," Colonel Setiyo Widodo said.Sangihe, N. Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Tahuna Naval Base, North Sulawesi, has urged the local fishermen to revert to normal fishing activities, as the navy has tightened security in the border area following the armed conflict in Marawi, South Philippines.
"We have called on the fishermen in Sangihe District to not be afraid if they want to return to their fishing activities at sea, as our personnel have secured the borders," Commander of the Tahuna Naval Base Colonel Setiyo Widodo stated here, Thursday.
At least 170 people, including 20 civilians, have been killed and more than 180 thousand residents have fled following the armed conflict in the neighboring area of Marawi in the Philippines.
Widodo revealed that the Indonesian Navy had monitored the situation in the conflict-torn city and tightened security in the borders.
"All Indonesian waters are safe for public activities, including for fishermen," he noted.
He reiterated that the fishermen should also help the government to protect the countrys waters from illegal fishing.
"The Navy will need information from them to protect the Indonesian waters," he said.
The Indonesian Navy has deployed its patrol ship in the borders to protect the countrys sovereignty and fishermen.
"Currently, we have deployed patrol ships in the area bordering the Philippines," he added.
The Navy has also intensified its patrols along the islands in Marore Sub-district.
"The Indonesian Navy has worked in cooperation with the district authority, Indonesian Army, and police to monitor some islands in the borders similar to what we had done in early June," Widodo noted.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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