AFP fetes 2 Indonesian officers

Apart from their consultative role in the signing of PHILINDO MC, the two Indonesian officers were also instrumental in the immediate release of US$ 1 million worth of funds for the victims of Typhoon "Pablo" in December last year.

The aid also included at least four tons of relief goods composed of 1,000 blankets, 3,000 packs of ready-to-eat meals, and other commodities.

“In view of the dynamic development of the security environment in our shared region, [Col. Ivan and I] are strongly committed to doing whatever we can to the further enhancement of a broader range of robust cooperation between TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) and AFP, based upon a strategic and comprehensive framework of partnership in the many years ahead,” Prayitno said during the awarding ceremony.

Inhis three-day visit to the Philippines last year, Adm. Agus Suhartono, the Chief of the Indonesian National Defense Force, handed over the one US$ 1-million cheque and relief goods to then AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa at the Eastern Mindanao Command.

Suhartono was also awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor -- the highest award the President can bestow without the need for approval of Congress.

This is for his strong commitment in deepening the military cooperation between the Philippines and the Indonesian military.