FlNDINGS AND INFORMATION PROVIDED
PHILIPPINES
The current state
16 The pirate's rising number, the increasing ferocity of their attacks and their capacity to extend their activities beyond national boundaries make piracy a continuing threat to the national security of the Philippines.
National infrastructure
17 The national Government has put in place the penal legislation and infrastructure for dealing with piracy and armed robbery against ships. Different agencies of the Government are concerned with the maintenance of law and order in the maritime areas. These are: the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, The Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Navy, The Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of lnvestigation. However, not least in view of the very long and irregular coastline of the Philippines (approximately 12,000 nautical miles) fringed with gulfs, lagoons and bays, problems exist in the practical enforcement.
18 Linking anti-piracy measures with existing law enforcement measures is seen as the only way to save already dissipating resources. Linking measures would also need the linking of military and police and other law enforcement agencies in a spirit of solidarity for mutual benefit and for ensuring national security.
19 In the Manila Bay the Philippine Ports Authority has recommended the creation of an inter-agency Special Action Team (SAT) with the Coast Guard as lead agency.
Regional co-operation
20 The regional infrastructure for dealing with piracy and armed robbery against ships rests on existing agreements with neighbouring countries, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Association (FASA).
21 The Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to co-operate in fighting piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing and other crimes in the Sulu Sea which borders the two countries.
22 The Philippines and Indonesia have entered into a Border Crossing and Border Patrol Agreement which, inter alia, includes joint sea surveillance in the Celebes Sea.
23 A solid regional infrastructure is ASEAN which has evolved into a major factor shaping events in Southeast Asia. When pirates transgresses national boundaries with disputes as a result, ASEAN will act as a neutral arbitrator and pursue a solution that would satisfy parties involved.
24 FASA also serves as a forum for regional co-operation aimed towards the eradication of piracy in all forms.
