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 aimed at sustaining the efforts of various agencies 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 to identify, target, and interdict illicit vessels and cargoes involved in the trafficking of 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 the significance of these joint efforts in contributing to both national and global security. DTRA Chief at the US Embassy in Manila, Nicholas DeDominici, affirmed the agency's commitment to sustaining its initiatives in the Philippines to 'reinforce the ironclad commitment' between the two countries.

The workshop included participants from various Philippine 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 agency attached to the US Department of Defense, is tasked with countering the proliferation and threats of weapons of mass destruction or nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological weapons that pose significant risks to large populations.