President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo signed on Friday a joint declaration to ensure maritime security in the Sulu Sea.

In a joint statement, Duterte said the two countries express commitment to "take all necessary steps to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and maritime areas of common interest."

The agreement to ensure security in the southern Philippine water was made after series of kidnapping of Indonesian seafarers by the Filipino bandits Abu Sayyaf Group.

In a speech before the Filipino community in Jakarta prior to the signing of the declaration, Duterte said Indonesian authorities pursuing pirates could enter the Philippine territory.

He explained as a rule, if the pirates are in the international waters, they can be arrested by any nation because piracy is a crime against humanity.

"But this time, we make it clear that if the chase began in Indonesia, then crosses, the chase continues in the international waters and if they are really fast enough also, inside now the Philippine waters, they can go ahead and blast them off. That’s the agreement," Duterte explained.

The Abu Sayyaf are holding seven Indonesians as hostage along with five Malaysians, one Norwegian and one Dutchman. Last June, Indonesia extended a moratorium on coal shipments to the Philippines after seven sailors were abducted.

Duterte said the two countries shared the "great concern" on the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

The two leaders also shared deep concern over illicit drugs and their impact in the society.

Duterte said he and his Indonesian counterpart promise to do their part for "a drug free ASEAN community."

No mention was made on the status of Mary Jane Veloso, who is in death row for alleged drug trafficking. Duterte said earlier he would raise Veloso’s case with Widodo.

Duterte undertook a working visit to Indonesia after attending the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Laos.

He is expected to arrive in Davao City early Saturday. Celerina Monte/DMS