The Philippines has joined a new cross-regional defense framework aimed at strengthening the protection of undersea cables and other critical underwater infrastructure, as security risks increasingly extend beyond land, air, and surface waters.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. took part in the launch of the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges, or GUIDE, on the sidelines of the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026.
The framework was endorsed by 17 countries from Europe, West Asia, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.
GUIDE seeks to improve cooperation among defense establishments through shared principles, information exchanges, and practical collaboration to help secure critical underwater infrastructure.
These include undersea systems vital to communications, energy, trade, and national security.
The Department of National Defense said the Philippines’ participation reflects its commitment to working with like-minded partners in addressing emerging security challenges that go beyond national borders.
It also signals Manila’s support for stronger cooperative mechanisms in areas of defense and security that are becoming increasingly important to regional and global stability.
