Defense chief calls for stability in Southeast Asia

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has called on stakeholders to ensure regional stability in Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the 12th Asia Security Summit Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last Sunday, Gazmin said  territorial disputes, issues surrounding the Korean Peninsula, military modernization and arms race, and proliferation of weapons, remain high in the regional security agenda.

“Sensitive issues placed on the backburner in the past have re-emerged to take center stage,” he said. “This dispels notions that these issues have become irrelevant in the 21st century with the emergence of non-traditional security challenges.”

Gazmin also noted the world has become heavily dependent on information and communication technology.

“The regional security environment continues to evolve,” he said.

“More issues are becoming security concerns as they negatively affect our quality of life and limit our policy options. As we become increasingly dependent on information and communication technology, we are also confronted with cyber threats. While cyber security previously focused only on individual hackers, recent trends show that attacks against government portals could come from organizations.”

Cyber-related capabilities must be developed to secure all channel of communications, Gazmin said.

AFP: Phl not terror haven

The military disagrees with a US report that the Philippines is a safe haven for terrorists.

Speaking to reporters, Armed Forces public affairs chief Maj. Ramon Zagala said the military has been curbing the activities of terrorists.

“We respect the US government assessment, (but) we disagree that (the Philippines) is a safe haven for terrorists,” he said.

Zagala said the military’s sustained and focused operations have put terrorists on the run.

“Our momentum against terrorists has not decreased,” he said. “The Abu Sayyaf  cannot move freely, they are forced to be mobile and they cannot plan and execute terrorist activities easily.”

The US State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2012 has named the Sulu/ Sulawesi Seas Littoral and Southern Philippines as among the terrorist havens in Southeast Asia.

“A range of licit and illicit activities that occur there – including worker migration, tourism, and trade – pose additional challenges to identifying and countering the terrorist threat,” read the report.

“Surveillance improved but remained partial at best, and traditional smuggling and piracy groups have provided an effective cover for terrorist activities, including movement of personnel, equipment, and funds.” – With Alexis Romero