PH calls for more maritime patrols in Asean military execs’ meet

MANILA – Military officials from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) exchanged views on various security issues such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and the coronavirus pandemic during the 11th Asean Military Operations Meeting (AMOM-11) which was held virtually Wednesday.

AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon represented the Philippines in the meeting where he bared that the number of the reported incidents in the Sulu-Celebes Sea area significantly decreased from 12 incidents in 2016 to one incident in 2020.

He also encouraged members to sustain collaboration among Asean member-state militaries and proposed for an increase in maritime patrol operations.

Also among the various recommendations was the establishment of an Asean-level strategic communication framework to counter violent extremists’ propaganda through social media platforms.

The delegates agreed on the continuance of immense discussions on security issues of shared concern while building mutual understanding and trust.

“The Philippines’ views towards an integrated ASEAN Military cooperation is to remove all the barriers and partitions, and resolve probable contravention by exploring a mutual interest and sharing best practices,” de Leon said in a statement Thursday.

The AMOM – 11 was chaired by Brig. Gen. Haji Abdul Razak Bin Abdul, Kadir, join force commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

“The Philippines renews its commitment and support to the attainment of the ASEAN Community Vision of 2025 and one of its undertakings, which is a region that resolves differences and disputes by peaceful means, including refraining from the threat or use of force and adopting peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms while strengthening confidence-building measures, promoting preventive diplomacy activities and conflict resolution initiatives,” de Leon said.

With the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”, the meeting focused on cooperation among Asean militaries to address common security concerns in the region.

It also aims to review and assess the progress of AMOM as it seeks opportunities towards a future-ready Asean.

Brunei handed over the AMOM chairmanship to Cambodia towards the end of the conference.