Kalinaw News: Defense officials convene for 11th ASEAN Military Operations Meeting

From Kalinaw News (Mar 11, 2021): Defense officials convene for 11th ASEAN Military Operations Meeting



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines participated in the 11th ASEAN Military Operations Meeting (AMOM-11) held virtually on March 10.

AMOM – 11 was chaired by Brigadier General Haji Abdul Razak Bin Abdul, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Joint Force Commander. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 Major General Edgardo De Leon represented the AFP in the said meeting.

With the theme “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”, the meeting centred on cooperation among ASEAN militaries to address common security concerns in the region. It also aims to review and assess the progress of AMOM as it seeks opportunities towards a future-ready ASEAN.

“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,” Major General De Leon said.

During the meeting, military members from ASEAN member states exchanged views on various security issues such as terrorism, cyber security, and the existing COVID-19 global health crisis.

MGen De Leon reported that the numbers of the reported incidents in Sulu-Celebes Sea significantly decreased from 12 incidents in 2016 to one (1) Incident in 2020. Thus, the AFP encouraged members to sustain collaboration among ASEAN member-states militaries and proposed for the increase in maritime patrol operations.

Also among the various recommendations was the establishment of an ASEAN level strategic communication framework to counter violent extremists’ propaganda through social media platforms.

The delegates agreed on the continuance of immense discussions on security issues of shared concern, while building 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 mutual interest and sharing best practices,” Major General De Leon said.

Brunei handed over the AMOM Chairmanship to Cambodia towards the end of the conference.

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