In an Asean military executives’ conference, PH calls for more maritime patrols.

MANILA – During the 11th Asean Military Operations Meeting (AMOM-11), held virtually on Wednesday, 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.

Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, represented the Philippines at the conference, revealing that the number of recorded incidents in the Sulu-Celebes Sea region has decreased from 12 in 2016 to one in 2020.

He also urged members to maintain military cooperation among Asean members and suggested a boost in maritime patrol operations.

The creation of an Asean-wide strategic communication system to counter violent extremist propaganda on social media sites was also among the numerous recommendations.

The delegates agreed to continue extensive discussions on shared security concerns while fostering 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.

Brig. Gen. Haji Abdul Razak Bin Abdul, Kadir, join force commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, presided over AMOM – 11.

“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.

The meeting focused on cooperation among Asean militaries to resolve common security concerns in the region, with the theme “We Care, We Plan, We Prosper.” It also aims to evaluate and review AMOM’s progress as it explores ways to make Asean more future-ready.