Brawner calls for stronger ASEAN ties amid maritime 'security challenges'

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday stressed the need for stronger cooperation among Southeast Asian countries amid growing maritime security challenges.

Speaking at the Maritime Security Symposium 2026, Brawner pointed out the importance of sustained dialogue and collective action among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

“This year's theme, navigating continuity and change through ASEAN captures the reality we face today. Because while the principles that have guided our region remain steady, the environment in which we operate is becoming more complex,” he said.

Brawner said maritime domain awareness should be enhanced through information sharing and interoperability among ASEAN countries.

He added that confidence-building measures should be strengthened to reduce miscalculation.

There should also be consistent and collective adherence to maritime rules and norms, according to the AFP chief.

“These are familiar priorities, but in a time of change, in a time where we are faced with a lot of conflicts globally, they require renewed commitment,” Brawner said.

“ASEAN has always drawn its strength not from uniformity, but from unity of purpose. That unity must continue to guide us, not only in preserving what we have built, but in shaping what comes next,” he added.

According to him, the region now faces more complicated challenges driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, rapid technological developments, and climate-related pressures.

He added that key concerns on the maritime domain now are maritime safety, protection of critical underwater infrastructure, sustainable use of marine resources, and the growing intersection of climate risks and security threats. —VAL, GMA News