Philippines pushes enforcement of nuclear test ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has called for the urgent entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

At the 64th Session of Working Group B of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization being held from Feb. 18-28 in Vienna, the Philippines reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the treaty and the global effort to eliminate nuclear testing.

Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina Arroyo-Bernas called for the universalization and urgent entry into force of the treaty, recognizing it as a cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as well as its critical role in maintaining peace and security.

As an active participant in the treaty’s verification regime, the Philippines hosts three International Monitoring Systems stations in Tanay, Tagaytay and Davao. The IMS is a unique global network which monitors nuclear explosions around the world.

The Philippines also called on the Conference on Disarmament to take decisive action in advancing disarmament goals, urging member states to deliver meaningful progress in disarmament to strengthen global security mechanisms.

“We must be fully conscious of our accountability as UN members to ‘unite in strength to maintain international peace and security,’” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose stated at the 2025 High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday, echoing the Philippines’ long-standing advocacy for disarmament.

On the sidelines of the conference, Jose met with UN Undersecretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu to discuss the need for stronger global cooperation on disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.