Philippines and u.s lead maritime security workshop

Delegates from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered to enhance collaboration on critical issues, with a focus on tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens sustainability and security in shared waters.

Over the three-day event, 30 representatives from coast guards, border security, and fisheries agencies conducted technical exchanges and simulation exercises, refining approaches to information sharing and coordination.

These sessions aimed to strengthen protocols and policies for responding to maritime threats collectively, bridging gaps between nations’ practices to create a more unified front.

Captain Noriel Ramos of the PCG highlighted the workshop’s significance, describing it as “an invaluable platform for Southeast Asian nations to reinforce collective maritime enforcement capabilities.”

The workshop culminated in a plan for participants to present their findings and recommendations to senior leaders at the 2025 Commanders’ Forum, with the PCG expressing interest in hosting the next event.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLEI), the workshop is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, fostering closer ties among Southeast Asian maritime agencies to ensure regional stability and sustainability.