National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo SL Oban Jr. lauded the continued advancement of ASEAN maritime cooperation as he served as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 5th ASEAN Coast Guard Forum High-Level Meeting (ACF-HLM) held in Manila on 4-5 June 2026.
Hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), this meeting gathered heads and representatives of ASEAN Coast Guards and Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies to advance discussions on the future development and institutionalization of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.
In his keynote address, Secretary Oban emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation among ASEAN Member States to address shared challenges, promote maritime safety and security, and support a rules-based maritime order in the region. He highlighted the value of dialogue, information sharing, capacity-building initiatives, and operational coordination in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across Southeast Asia’s maritime domain. Secretary Oban was joined by NSC DDG Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. and ADG Cornelio H. Valencia Jr.
The meeting finalized key documents supporting the institutionalization of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum and advanced efforts to establish it as a Subsidiary Body of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (ASEAN SOM), reflecting ASEAN’s shared commitment to maritime cooperation and security
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