Manila: The United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), is providing training support to strengthen the Philippines' response against the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials at sea and ports.

According to Philippines News Agency, the US Embassy in Manila announced that the program included 'train-the-trainer' activities to help sustain the agencies' efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps. Experts from the DTRA International Counterproliferation Program (ICP) conducted a targeting and risk management workshop in Manila from March 24-28, 2025, training 35 Filipino personnel in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center Director Jose Embang expressed gratitude to the DTRA for its ongoing support, highlighting that these joint efforts contribute to both national and global security. Nicholas DeDominici, DTRA Chief at the US Embassy in Manila, affirmed that the agency would continue its initiatives in the Philippines to 'reinforce the ironclad commitment' between the two countries.

The workshop's participants included representatives from various Philippine government departments and agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry's Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation's Office for Transportation Security, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

The DTRA, an attached agency of the US Department of Defense, is tasked with countering the proliferation and threats of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological weapons that could pose significant harm.