The Philippines convened a virtual meeting of the Ad Hoc ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Working Group (ADSOM WG) on May 18 as part of efforts to strengthen regional defense cooperation and advance security initiatives within Southeast Asia.
The meeting gathered defense officials from ASEAN member-states to discuss preparations for upcoming engagements under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) framework and review ongoing regional security programs.
The session was chaired by Marita Yoro, assistant secretary for international affairs of the Department of National Defense (DND), in her capacity as ADSOM WG chair.
Among the key topics discussed was the implementation of the ADMM Work Programme 2023–2026, including proposed measures aimed at improving confidence-building and practical defense cooperation among ASEAN nations.
The Philippines presented several initiatives focused on strengthening exchanges among future defense leaders, improving coordination with other ASEAN-led security mechanisms, and addressing emerging issues involving maritime security and new technologies.
Participants also deliberated on draft joint declarations and statements expected to be adopted during the upcoming 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the 13th ADMM-Plus later this year.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said the meeting reflected the Philippines’ continued commitment to promoting ASEAN centrality and enhancing regional security cooperation through sustained dialogue and collaborative defense initiatives.
The DND said the discussions also aimed to support a more responsive and forward-looking regional security architecture amid evolving security challenges in the region.