(Photo courtesy of PCO)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to strengthen cooperation in protecting migrant workers and seafarers affected by armed conflicts and international crises.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Teodoro emphasized the international community’s responsibility to safeguard overseas workers whose contributions are essential to the global economy.
“We wish to reiterate what we have said in other defense dialogues this year. The international order must have a special obligation to protect migrant workers and seafarers in recognition of their vital contributions to the global economy and the way of life of the countries wherein they serve,” Teodoro said.
The ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners: the United States, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, China, and Russia.
Teodoro stressed that conflicts and disruptions to global supply chains directly threaten people’s safety, livelihoods, and access to essential resources.
He called for stronger regional cooperation on food and energy security to address the effects of overseas conflicts and supply chain challenges.
The defense chief also emphasized that regional security cooperation must remain anchored in mutual respect, international law, and established principles governing relations among nations.
These include the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“ASEAN member states and dialogue partners share the same principles, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the renunciation of the threat for use of force,” Teodoro said.
He underscored that these principles have guided regional cooperation for decades and must continue to serve as the foundation for maintaining peace and stability.
The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for ASEAN and its dialogue partners to strengthen defense cooperation, address regional security challenges, and promote peaceful solutions to international disputes.
