He said the agreement would result in combined efforts to fight crimes involving the two countries, and an exchange of intelligence.

“This is all the result of the open attitude of the current government of the Philippines to fight cross-border crimes and they themselves have expedited the process of the agreement signing with Polis Di Raja Malaysia,” he told reporters here today.

He welcomed the open and proactive attitude of the Philippine government in curbing the terrorist activities of militant groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.

At the same time, he said, this latest development would assist the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in stepping up patrols in east Sabah.

“It looks like efforts to ensure security in east Sabah has been well-received by the Philippine government.

“Previously, these efforts were limited and most were conducted on land in east Sabah, and has now been extended to the seas.

“When the Philippine government is proactive in its efforts to curb criminal activities by groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and in increasing patrols along the waters of the Philippines and Malaysia, it is a good move which will help ESSCOM perform their duties,” he said.

Yesterday, ESSCOM Commander Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said ESSCOM was prepared to face all possibilities, following the announcement by the Philippine government to go all out to destroy the Abu Sayyaf in the islands.