Canada provides security assistance to the Philippines

(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canadaafter their speech at the Joint Press Conference at the Reading Room, Room 237-C, Centre Block of the Parliament Hill for the Signing Ceremony and Joint Press Conference for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur ARcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The Government of Canada is committed to working with trusted allies and partners to address international security issues.

To this end, on May 8, 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $3.58 million towards the following three initiatives which will enhance collaboration with the Philippines to counter regional and global security threats.

Capacity Building for Port and Maritime Security in the Philippines
Cost and timeframe: $1.14 million (2015-2017)
Implementing Partner: INTERPOL

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, this project is part of an ongoing effort to address the threats of piracy, terrorism and organized crime to maritime security in Southeast Asia. The project will seek to enhance front line law enforcement institutional capacity by strengthening the ability of the Philippines to gather, collect, analyze and share essential law enforcement data. This will help ensure that the Philippines can provide more information to INTERPOL’s database, thus benefiting Canada and other countries in their efforts to counter terrorism worldwide.

Civilian Police Capacity Building and Deployment of Canadian Police Officers to the Philippines
Cost: $1.5 million
Implementing partner: TBC

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program and Global Peace and Security Fund, the deployment of Canadian police officers to the Philippines and capacity building of local police will support the Bangsamoro Peace Process in the Philippines by providing strategic advice for the development of policing options for the Bangsamoro under the Philippines National Police (PNP). Training will also be provided to PNP officers to address transnational organized crime in the region, including major case management, evidence handling and interview techniques. The project will further strengthen relations and connections between Canadian and Filipino law authorities facilitating cooperation and information sharing on transnational organized crime which is expected to enhance the safety of Canadians and Canadian interests both at home and abroad.

Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Training in the Philippines
Cost and timeframe: up to $940,000 (2015-2017)
Implementing Partner: Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Counter Explosive Threat Task Force

This project, led by the Department of National Defence (DND), looks to increase Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) institutionalization in the Philippines and Indonesia and increase the survivability of C-IED first responders. As part of this project, Canada will work with Indonesian and Filipino officials to build tactical and operational relationships.

DND will undertake subject matter expert exchanges and exercises to assess current C-IED capabilities with a view to developing detailed project plans. Canada will also provide training sessions focused on building individual technical skills as well as training a cadre of trainers so that C-IED programs remain sustainable.