Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday underscored the importance of having a strong and unified Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in tackling the emerging security challenges facing the region.

Speaking at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Malaysia, Teodoro called on the ASEAN members to discuss the regional security challenges, highlighting that the actions of a few states are significantly reshaping global relations

He also stressed the importance of ASEAN maintaining unity and taking a proactive role in ensuring the stability of the region.

Teodoro also underscored the necessity for ASEAN to remain cohesive in upholding regional stability. 

“ASEAN has ensured the longest period of peace in any region since World War II. However, this peace is now under threat — not due to our incapacity to preserve it, but because of the absence of unanimity on key issues,” he said. 

In his speech, Teodoro also reaffirmed the Philippines’ long-standing commitment to regional peace, pointing out the “importance of articulating the realities of the current geopolitical environment to remain adaptive to rapid change and uncertainties.” 

Teodoro reiterated Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s emphasis on the importance of ASEAN upholding the rule of law in addressing contemporary challenges.

“Silence in the face of violations diminishes ASEAN,” he said as he quoted President Marcos, calling for proactive measures in defending international law and norms.

Further, Teodoro urged ASEAN to strengthen operational cooperation by expanding joint patrols, exercises, and intelligence-sharing to build trust among regional defense forces. 

He shared the success of the Philippines’ trilateral cooperation with Indonesia and Malaysia that has been beneficial in “addressing the pressing security concerns.” 

Sowing regional division

Teodoro said “ASEAN must reject external influences” that seek to fragment the region as he warned against external attempts to sow division within Southeast Asia. 

“We should resist coercion in whatever form and exchange information on foreign activities that are inimical to our national interests, such as online scams, trafficking in persons, illegal migration, which destroy the fabric of our respective societies,” he said. 

Teodoro also mentioned the ongoing threats to Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. 

He noted it was “not merely a domestic or regional concern but a global issue” that affected the stability of the international system.

“At the heart of this matter is the existential right of smaller states — ASEAN Member States in particular — to live in peace, secure their borders, and pursue their own destiny,” he said. 

Lastly, Teodoro highlighted the Philippines' commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. 

He then urged ASEAN members to act decisively in preserving peace and stability, stressing that ASEAN’s strength lies in its ability to cooperate, consult, and take collective action when necessary.

“We may not always agree, but the spirit of ASEAN compels us to cooperate where we can consult where necessary, and act when we must," he concluded.