THE Philippine Navy and the Department of National Defense – Philippines participated in the 22nd ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group (EWG) on Maritime Security and the Initial Planning Conference (IPC) for the Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity (MS JCA), hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from March 11 to 12, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.
The meeting convened defense and naval experts from ASEAN member states and Plus countries, including Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, United States, and Timor-Leste. Discussions focused on marine environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the involvement of Women in Peace and Security (WPS).
As co-chairs of the 2024-2027 cycle, the Philippines and Japan introduced the scenario for the MS JCA, the flagship activity of the EWG on Maritime Security.
The scenario showcased how ADMM-Plus navies will address challenges such as marine wildlife poaching, coral reef destruction, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUUF), and threats to critical underwater infrastructure (CUI).
Rear Admiral Terada Hiroyuki (Ret.), Japan’s co-chair, highlighted the ADMM-Plus framework as a vital platform for practical maritime cooperation among member states.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Alan M Javier PN, Chief of Naval Staff, reaffirmed the Philippine Navy’s commitment to regional peace and security through enhanced collaboration with partner nations.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Navy Facebook Page.
