Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio B. Madriaga highlighted the Philippines’ concerns in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and its impact to the Indo-Pacific region at the 21st ASEAN Regional Forum Security Policy Conference in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
During the conference chaired by Lao PDR Deputy Minister of National Defense MGEN Saichay Kommasith, delegates exchanged their perspectives on regional and international security issues, particularly on contemporary and future security challenges of the region and the wider Asia-Pacific.
The discussions were centered around developing strategies in addressing these issues, enhancing confidence and building measures to strengthen regional security architecture, and the military’s role in response to climate change in the 21st century.
Undersecretary Madriaga articulated the Philippines’ perspective on these issues and tackled the impact of climate change and the need for a responsive military for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), as well as risk reduction and mitigation.
“His remarks underscored approaches in dealing with regional challenges, such as the recognition and respect for international law and strengthening regional defense cooperation through the ASEAN,” DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
At the sidelines of the conference, Undersecretary Madriaga met with his Malaysian counterpart, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense Mohd Yani bin Daud to discuss shared regional concerns and possible approaches for collaboration.
