Peace and stability are every country’s business

The world is not in a good place right now, with conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East, and the majority of their people suffering the consequences of decisions they never made.

Then again, we don’t have to look too far to know that times are precarious. Here at home, the Philippines continues to grapple with a confluence of asymmetric security challenges that cut across multiple dimensions—in the sea, in the air, and even in cyberspace.

In the maritime domain, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), we have been subjected to the increasing intensity and regularity of Chinese expansionist and militaristic activities in the area. Our vessels have faced harassment through aggressive maneuvers, for instance, the use of water cannons and military-grade lasers, blockades, ramming, and sideswiping. China has consistently employed gray zone tactics, such as deploying maritime militia and coast guard vessels, to provoke the Philippines and escalate tensions in the WPS, all while avoiding direct military engagement.

This has extended to our airspace. On Aug. 8, two Chinese fighter jets harassed a Philippine Air Force NC-212i aircraft near Scarborough Shoal, deploying flares and conducting dangerous maneuvers. The flares could have caused serious damage to the aircraft. In a deceptive response, China said it was the Philippines that illegally entered its airspace.

Despite improvements in the Global Cybersecurity Index, the Philippines remains vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyber threats such as smishing, ransomware, and disinformation campaigns have increased, complicating national security efforts. Notably, 54.5 percent of incidents addressed by the National Computer Emergency Response Team targeted critical infrastructure, including government and emergency services. This highlights the growing threat of cyber warfare and the manipulation of public opinion, posing serious risks to both private sectors and democratic institutions.

We cannot afford to compromise these assets. They are essential to our daily lives especially at a time like this when disaster strikes and coordination is necessary for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The current administration is aware of these threats. It has employed mini-lateral and multilateral approaches to strengthen and expand cooperation with like-minded partners. Our Stratbase survey commissioned to Pulse Asia in September found that 79 percent of Filipinos see the United States as its most trusted national development partner, followed by Japan (50 percent), Canada (43 percent), and Australia (42 percent). Only 1 percent of respondents cited China. Indeed, China’s aggressive acts have made a dent in Filipino consciousness.

The partners mentioned in the survey are trustworthy and reliable and share our commitment to the fundamental values of the rule of law and the international order. Ultimately, this is not just about these trusted countries coming to the Philippines’ rescue.

What happens to the Philippines happens to the entire Indo-Pacific region. Our strategic importance to our immediate region is extensive—from maritime security, supply chains, connectivity, and green transition. Developments in the geopolitics of the Philippines send powerful ripples across the international community. It serves as the vital access toward economic prosperity and security, regional stability, and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.

Thus, collective action is not just ideal, but necessary.

President Marcos has emphasized this shared responsibility for peace and security, urging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to confront external aggression. Recent engagements have strengthened the Philippines’ defense ties with key allies. Philippine and US defense officials discussed upgrading military capabilities and finalizing the GSOMIA or the General Security of Military Information Agreement. Additionally, the Philippines committed to enhancing cyber resilience in collaboration with US and Japan. Furthermore, joint patrols with defense forces from the US, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand in the WPS underscored cooperation in upholding international law and freedom of navigation.

These are promising initiatives that make this part of the world at least a safer place. Indeed, peace is everybody’s business.

We, at the Stratbase group, as we celebrate our 20th year, are one with the Philippine society in upholding our national interests. We will continue to live up to our role as a vital platform for igniting constructive discussions on the pressing issues facing Philippine society. We will once again rise to the occasion during our annual Pilipinas Conference on Nov. 6 and 7, when geopolitics and other issues will be taken up by thought leaders from the government, private sector, the academe, and different stakeholders in our society.

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Dindo Manhit is founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group.