Organized by the Foundation for the National Interest, together with the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, with the support of Stable Seas Program of One Earth Future, the fourth installment of the "Kwentong Mandaragat" webinar series was held on December 15, 2020.
The fourth webinar discussed the issue of violent non-state actors (VNSAs) within maritime zones. The discussants of the webinar featured Mr. Jay Benson, Project Manager of the Stable Seas Program, COL Romulo Quemado II PN(M) (GSC), Commander of the recently formed Coastal Defense Regiment, Azifah Astrina, lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Ulta Levenia, researcher at the Research Center for Terrorism and Security, and Rommel Jude Ong AFP RET, Professor of Praxis at the Ateneo School of Government.
Mr. Benson explained how the concept of 'sea blindness' affects preventive measures in protecting coastal areas and maritime zones.
COL Quemado II proffered the experience of the Philippines in terms of combatting VNSAs. He likewise provided concrete examples of how VNSAs maneuver in maritime zones.
Prof. Astrina proffered a case study of illegal and illicit activities transpiring in the borders to the south and north of the Philippines and Indonesia respectively.
Ms. Levenia noted the interconnectivity of VNSAs across the Philippines and Indonesia and that the dynamics and complexity of the issue will require efforts in both countries.
The webinar was attended by individuals from the academe, private sector, security establishment, and public sector, nationwide.
Screenshots of the event found below.