From March 24 to 28, the United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counter-proliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance the Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

During the Targeting and Risk Management workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains. It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps.

Participants included representatives from 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.

In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports. He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security.

"We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine inter-agency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries," said Nicholas DeDominici, DTRA chief at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen inter-agency cooperation within Philippine government agencies, improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents, and strengthen US-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific.