March 24, 2006
U.S. Embassy, Manila

THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES
ESTABLISH SECURITY ENGAGEMENT BOARD

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Defense Secretary Avelino J. Cruz, Jr., and US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney announced the establishment of the Security Engagement Board (SEB), a new security consultative mechanism for RP-US cooperation on non-traditional security concerns.

Building upon the long-standing bilateral relations between RP and US, the SEB shall serve as the mechanism for consultation and planning of measures and arrangements focused on addressing non-traditional security concerns. The SEB shall recommend these activities for consideration and approval by the RP government in accordance with the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Non-traditional security concerns are current and emerging security threats such as international terrorism, transnational crime, maritime safety and security, natural and man-made disasters, and the threat of a pandemic outbreak that arise from non-state actors and transcend national borders. These security concerns have necessitated defense and military organizations of various nations to perform non-traditional roles to address them, as part of inter-agency, government-wide efforts.

The SEB complements the existing Mutual Defense Board (MDB) mechanism established in 1958 that focuses on cooperation against traditional or conventional threats such as an external armed attack envisioned under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.

“The establishment of the SEB demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to enhance its own capability and contribute to the international effort to address these current and emerging security threats in an evolving security environment”, Romulo emphasized.

Cruz underscored that “Transnational non-traditional security threats highlight the need for cooperation among nations in the face of common security challenges. The SEB affords us the opportunity to develop focused and comprehensive responses to address them.”

Both Romulo and Cruz emphasized that the establishment of the SEB is a pioneering initiative of the Philippines in the area of defense and security cooperation. It is seen as an emerging model for bilateral cooperation in addressing non-traditional security concerns.

For her part, Kenney stated that “The Philippines and the United States share a long history of friendship and partnership. The Philippines is a 50-year mutual defense treaty partner, a regional ally, and a major non-NATO ally. The establishment of the SEB further strengthens our partnership.”

 

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