Manila: A ranking official of the Department of National Defense (DND) has emphasized the need for secure and real-time communication systems among institutions of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, amid an increasingly complex information environment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DND stated that its Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Philippines ASEAN Defense Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) Working Group, Marita Yoro, made this comment during the meeting for the 8th Ad Hoc Working Group (AHWG) on Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI), which took place via virtual teleconferencing on April 15. The Philippines and Brunei served as co-chairs on this working group.
Yoro noted the critical need for secure, reliable, and real-time communication as the region becomes more interconnected. The meeting brought together representatives of ASEAN member states to advance regional defense communications cooperation.
Yoro also commended the Integrated Project Team (IPT) for its progress across both technical and policy dimensions of ADI Phase 2, highlighting key considerations like data sovereignty, cybersecurity standards, system resilience, and access control. The ADI, an initiative under the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), serves as a rapid communication system linking defense establishments across ASEAN, aimed at enhancing coordination and reducing the risk of miscommunication during crisis and emergency situations.
The meeting progressed ADI Phase 2, including the review and endorsement of the Terms of Reference and Technical Specifications, as well as discussions on the proposed cost-sharing model and procurement process. Under Phase 2, the ADI will expand its capabilities to include secure electronic messaging and video teleconferencing systems, supporting both crisis response and routine multilateral communications.
The successful convening of the 8th AHWG on ADI underscores ASEAN's continued commitment to strengthening trust, interoperability, and resilience in addressing evolving regional security challenges.
