National Security
National Security
National Security
A state or condition wherein the people’s welfare, well-being, ways of life; government and
its institutions; territorial integrity; sovereignty, and core values are enhanced and protected.
At the end of 2020-2021, these are the situations our country encountered.
1. Unending Drug War.
According to official government figures, members of the Philippine National Police and
the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency killed 5,903 individuals during anti-drug
operations from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2020. Based on statistics released by the
government through its #RealNumbersPH, “drug war” killings increased by over 50
percent during the lockdown months from April to July. Among those severely affected
by the “drug war” violence are children left behind by the victims. Up until now,
President Duterte continues to encourage the killings, ordering customs officials in
September to kill alleged drug smugglers. He also regularly denounced and dismissed
groups that criticize the “war on drugs,” accusing them of “weaponizing human rights.”
On June 4, High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a report that
found “numerous systematic human rights violations” in the Philippines, among them the
killing of 208 human rights defenders and activists since 2015. In July, President Duterte
signed a new Anti-Terrorism Law. The law contains overbroad and vague provisions that
the government can use to unjustly target critics. Among its provisions is the creation of a
government-appointed Anti-Terrorism Council that can designate a person or a group as a
terrorist, making them immediately liable to be arrested without warrant or charges and
be detained for up to 24 days.
3. Death Penalty
The Philippine government began in 2020 to seriously consider legislation to reinstate the
death penalty. Some people want to implement the “Death Penalty” but it’s not easy due
to the various rules implemented by the Roman Catholic on the “Ten Commandments”.
The move in Congress came a week after President Duterte used his State of the Nation
Address in July to call for capital punishment by lethal injection for drug offenders.
Reinstating the death penalty would violate the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which the Philippines
ratified in 2007.
4. COVID-19
This is the worst situation we’ve encounter because of non-stop spreading of virus. Since
March 16, the government has imposed varying types of quarantines and lockdowns to
contain the spread of the virus. Abuses reported include local officials putting curfew
violators in dog cages or exposing them to hours sitting in the summer sun as a form of
punishment. Two children who were arrested after curfew were put inside a coffin by
local officials. Many people arrested for violating Covid-19 regulations were thrown into
overcrowded detention facilities where social distancing is impossible, increasing their
risk of contracting the virus. Implementing protocols such as using facemask and face
shield, social distancing, sanitize, wash appropriately and etc. in order to consume
ourselves and not being able to contaminate with the virus.
C. EXTERNAL THREATS
Overlapping Territorial Claims and Maritime Domain Issues
- The West Philippine Sea and elsewhere
- Encroachments into PHL EEZ
▪ hostile forces at sea, pirates, terrorists, traffickers, illegal fishers,
and other environmental transgressors
ii. Global and Regional Geopolitical Issues
- United States, Japan, ASEAN, China and Others (South Korea, Australia,
Russia and India)
▪ intensifying conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
region,
▪ persisting tension in the Korean Peninsula,
▪ unresolved territorial disputes in Northeast and Southeast-Asia,
▪ unsettled Sabah issue,
▪ China-Taiwan/ China-Japan/ Japan-South Korea conflicts
▪ power rivalries contesting and threatening United States
iii. Global Uncertainties and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Increased Global Economic Uncertainties
▪ potential for global economic recessions
▪ slowdown in major economies of the world such as the US, China
and the European Union
- Global Security Issues and the Welfare of OFWs
▪ Conflicts abroad and protection of OFWs from illegal recruitment,
human trafficking, ill-treatment and human rights violations, and
unfair labor practices, among others.
- Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
▪ WMDs are classified into three major types: nuclear weapons,
chemical warfare agents, and biological warfare agents.
▪ Nations currently in possession of such WMDs are China, France,
India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, United Kingdom, and
the United States - and a number of states are believed to possess
chemical and/or biological warfare agents
A. Overlapping Territorial Claims and Maritime Domain Issues
The country needs to address the disputes concerning maritime boundaries as they affect a
complex range of national security concerns as well as threaten regional peace and stability. The
Philippines must ensure good order within its sea boundaries and develop appropriate maritime
domain awareness and response force capability to address the presence of
- Encroachments into PHL EEZ such as
hostile forces at sea, pirates, terrorists, traffickers, illegal fishers, and other environmental
transgressors
- The West Philippine Sea remains to be the foremost security challenge to the Philippines'
sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Philippines will tread with prudence on this complex
and delicate issue and will carefully calibrate its diplomatic moves to avert the costly
consequences of any potential outbreak of armed confrontations in the disputed sea region.
B. Global and Regional Geopolitical Issues
In addition to the WPS issue, there are other inter- and intra-states flashpoints of
immediate concern to the Philippines. Global and regional geopolitical issues may lead cyber and
physical attacks between the countries. Which may cause another war.
C. Global Uncertainties and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Increased Global Economic Uncertainties: The present trends show that the potential for
global economic recessions has increased significantly. The slowdown in major economies of the
world will have an impact on every country in the world including the Philippines. Economic
downturns abroad could temper demand for Philippine exports, slow down foreign investments
and hurt the overall business climate in the country.
- Global Security Issues and the Welfare of OFWs: Conflicts abroad and other emerging global
security threats pose a direct danger to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who contribute
significantly to the national economy, accounting for most of the country's net factor income
from abroad (NFIA) through their remittances. The Government must exert continuing effort to
promote and protect the rights and welfare of our OFWs, particularly victims of illegal
recruitment, human trafficking, ill-treatment and unfair labor practices, among others.
- Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Scientific and technological breakthroughs are
creating wealth and progress everywhere, but are also spawning new and increasingly dangerous
triggers for global insecurity. Among the most serious of these threats is the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which has come to occupy center stage in international
politics. WMDs are classified into three major types: nuclear weapons, chemical warfare agents,
and biological warfare agents. Nations currently in possession of such WMDs are China,
France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States -
and a number of states are believed to possess chemical and/or biological warfare agents. WMDs
pose an unprecedented risk in terms of their potential for large-scale destruction and the
indiscriminate nature of their effects.
D. ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN THE NATIONAL SECURITY
Youth is the joy. Youth is a phase in which small children that have come out of their
protective shells and are ready to spread their wings in the world of hope and dreams. Youth
means to cherish hope. It is a time of development. It is the time for growth and change. Youth
plays an important role in the development of our society. “Youth of today are leaders of
tomorrow” is true and applicable in each and every aspect. The youth lays the foundation of
development for any of the nations. Youth is that stage in the life of an individual, filled up with
several capabilities and potential of learning along with performing. The vision of our country
lies in the hands of our youths.
Role of the Youth
Get a good education. In order to become better citizens of tomorrow. They need to learn skills
to do the job that their country’s economy needs. They also need to know how to read, write,
think, understand, analyze, and discuss the issues their country faces. The entire success of the
nation depends on the youths.
To be a fighter. They fight for an identity in society, equality, the homeless, bullying,
unemployment, exploitation, poverty and other problems which the world faces today. All of
them hopes for a world full of opportunities, so great minds can conquer them and become better
individuals. There also a lot of crime taking place. Women are being killed by their abusive
husbands. Person’s homes, businesses, are being broken into. All of this crime and violence
needs to stop. The youth once more has the ability to bring about a change in their country.
To be the voice of the nation. Youth are considered to be the voice of the nation. The youths are
like raw material or resources to the nation. The way they are shaped, they are likely to emerge
in the same manner. The youth is filled up with mind talents and creativity. If they raise their
voice on any issue, are successful in bringing the transformation.
Thinking Before Taking Action: Youth must not be impulsive. It is very important to think
before taking action. This is how the youth will be able to create a thoughtful society.
Character Driven: Character builds up a nation. The young people need to be morally strong,
reflective individuals and dedicated which will drive them to take correct actions for the nation.
Fearless: The youth must be courageous in taking action. Fearless youth can fight injustice.
Goal Oriented: The youth needs to be focused on their goals that he wants to accomplish. When
the young generation is goal oriented, then their vision and mission become very clear.
Youth is the future of the society. The young generation simply needs to renew, refresh
and maintain the current status of the society. When the youth contributes his ideas and energy to
resolve the social issues, he becomes a capable leader and can also make a difference in the lives
of others. They must have the courage to resolve the mournful contradictions that are plaguing
the society and boldly take on great challenges without shunning the subsequent problems and
difficulties that they will inevitably face.
Socio-Political Stability
Peace prevails and cooperation and support exist between the Government and the people
under an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy, bound by a strong notion of
nationhood and a sense of duty to respect the rule of law and serve the common good.
Territorial Integrity
The territory of the country is intact and inviolable, and under the effective control and
jurisdiction of the Philippine Government.
Economic Solidarity and Sustainable Development
The economy is strong, capable of supporting national endeavors, and derives its strength
from the solidarity of our people who have an organic stake in it through participation
and ownership.
Ecological Balance
The environment is able to support sustainable development strategies for the benefit of
the nation and the people who depend on it for existence.
Cultural Cohesiveness
The people share the values and beliefs handed down by their forebears and possess a
strong sense of attachment to national community despite their religious, ethnic and
linguistic differences.