By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Amid the backdrop of recent inflammatory developments on domestic shores, the government maintains a steadfast disposition anchored in diplomacy and restraint.

This is epitomized by the three key messages that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. cited as he led the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Thursday.

Secretary Teodoro Jr. began with an emphasis on internal stability and unity among member states, which he touted as a key to unilaterally repelling any form of threat or dispute induced by any entity against any ASEAN nation.

He addressed his ASEAN counterparts, “And where such differences exist, including in the South China Sea, we shall settle them through peaceful and legal means.”

The Philippine defense chief also highlighted the importance of functional cooperation to enhance trust, as he underscored the essence of maintaining trust and confidence among ASEAN’s defense establishments and producing purposive outcomes for the people through the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus.

Beyond defense, Secretary Teodoro Jr. welcomed the significant strides of the 11-member bloc in the aspects of maritime security, protection of critical underwater infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

“This initiative [food and energy security] gains in importance as Southeast Asia braces for a super El Niño, which will likewise affect food, water, electricity, and connectivity in our respective countries.”

Lastly, he pointed to the importance of frank and open exchanges built on trust, confidence, and candor as defense and military officials gather for this week’s defence ministers’ meeting, underscoring the threats that exist in the region that affect the safety of citizens, as well as regional stability.

On calamity interventions

Meanwhile, at the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), the Philippine defense chief placed a premium on coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster response as one of the greatest examples of solidarity among member states.

“I would like to express likewise our sincere sympathies to our fellow member states who have been affected recently by natural calamities which have grown more frequent, severe, complex, and unpredictable in recent years.

For our part, we remain deeply grateful and committed to preserving the solidarity which you have extended to the Republic of the Philippines and for the assistance offered sometimes even before we could ask.”

According to Secretary Teodoro Jr., this camaraderie reflects the integrity of the decades-long exchanges between countries that form the 11-member bloc in the face of omnipresent threats.

He likewise highlighted the adoption of the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Manila Joint Declaration on the 20th Anniversary of ADMM, the two key outcome documents during the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday.

The back-to-back engagements concluded with the handover of the leadership of the region’s primary defense cooperation framework to Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing.

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