Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underscored the need to keep sea lanes of communication open to ensure the swift movement of relief and emergency assistance during disasters.
Speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity and Future Leaders’ Program in Olongapo City, Zambales, Teodoro said sea routes should remain free and open in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international law.
He said accessible sea lanes are increasingly important as disasters become more severe and unpredictable, particularly in allowing governments and regional partners to quickly reach affected communities.
Teodoro also linked maritime access and cooperation to efforts to build a more resilient ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region.
The Philippines and Japan are co-hosting the ADMM-Plus maritime security activities, which run from September 20 to 26 and involve personnel, naval vessels, aircraft and other assets from eight ADMM-Plus countries. Observers from other ASEAN member states and dialogue partners were also invited.
Teodoro said the activities are intended to familiarize participants with operational procedures while strengthening cooperation, trust and professional networks among participating defense establishments and navies.
The program includes harbor and sea phases designed to improve coordination among participating forces, with discussions also covering climate change, maritime security, UNCLOS and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
