National Security Concern PDF

# Module 9: National Security Concern ## Week #12 & 13 ### Allotted Time: 6 Hours ## Introduction National security is a fundamental component of a country's stability and development, including a wide range of risks and difficulties that might jeopardize its residents' safety and well-being. In a...

# Module 9: National Security Concern ## Week #12 & 13 ### Allotted Time: 6 Hours ## Introduction National security is a fundamental component of a country's stability and development, including a wide range of risks and difficulties that might jeopardize its residents' safety and well-being. In an increasingly linked and dangerous globe, maintaining national security has become a hard and diverse task. National security challenges are continually developing, ranging from classic military threats to cyber warfare, terrorism, and economic espionage. This introduction aims to give a thorough overview of the fundamental concerns and strategic imperatives that define national security in the twenty-first century, emphasizing the need of vigilance, innovation, and international collaboration in creating a safe and resilient nation. ## Topic - Cybersecurity - Terrorism - Economic Espionage - Military Threats - Public Health Crisis - Environmental & Climate Change - Transitional Crime - National Security Policy Understanding national security entails not only identifying the current threats posed by state and non-state actors, but also addressing fundamental weaknesses in society, infrastructure, and governance institutions. Exploring the many facets of national security allows us to better understand the delicate balance necessary to defend a country's interests while also supporting global peace and stability. This introduction lays the groundwork for a more in-depth discussion of the methods, policies, and technology used to protect against various threats, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and flexible approach to national security in a rapidly changing world. ## Cybersecurity The rise of digital technologies has brought about new vulnerabilities. Cyber-attacks can cripple critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, and disrupt essential services. Protecting against cyber threats requires advanced technology and robust cyber defenses. Our country, like many others, is facing several cybersecurity concerns as it integrates more digital technology into many parts of life and business. The fast growth of digitalization provides tremendous benefits, but it also introduces weaknesses that fraudsters may quickly exploit. This is a major issue for both the business and governmental sectors, necessitating coordinated measures to strengthen defenses and reduce risks. Key issues in the Philippine cybersecurity landscape include a lack of knowledge, a shortage of experienced experts, obsolete regulations, and inadequate infrastructure. Poor cybersecurity practices among users, such as using weak passwords and neglecting software updates, contribute significantly to the country's vulnerability to cyberattacks. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach. This includes enhancing education and awareness, updating legal frameworks, investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and improving international cooperation to effectively combat cyber threats. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been actively involved in promoting cybersecurity awareness and initiatives across the Philippines. Their efforts include developing frameworks and conducting training programs to improve the country's cybersecurity posture. The legislation outlines the legal framework for combating cybercrime in our country. However, continuous updates are needed to keep pace with evolving cyber threats under Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is responsible for formulating and implementing policies to ensure the security of the country's ICT infrastructure. Their initiatives include the National Cybersecurity Plan, which aims to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity capabilities. On the other hand, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) works to protect individual personal data and enforce data privacy regulations under the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Their role is critical in safeguarding sensitive information against cyber threats. ## Terrorism Despite efforts to combat terrorism globally, terrorist groups continue to adapt and pose significant threats. Understanding the motivations, networks, and tactics of terrorist organizations is essential for preventing attacks and ensuring public safety. ## Economic Espionage Economic stability is a critical component of national security. Protecting intellectual property, trade secrets, and critical industries from foreign espionage and unfair competition is vital to maintaining economic strength and technological leadership. ## Military Threats Traditional military threats from hostile nations remain a central concern. This includes the potential for conventional warfare, nuclear proliferation, and the development of advanced weaponry by adversarial states. ## Public Health Crisis Pandemics and other public health emergencies can have profound national security implications, affecting the economy, public morale, and national stability. Preparedness and rapid response mechanisms are crucial in mitigating these risks. ## Environmental & Climate Change Environmental degradation and climate change pose long-term national security risks by exacerbating resource scarcity, leading to conflicts, mass migrations, and destabilizing regions worldwide. ## Transitional Crime Organized crime syndicates and transnational criminal networks engage in activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling, undermining law and order and posing direct threats to national security. In this context, understanding national security involves not only recognizing the immediate dangers posed by state and non-state actors but also addressing underlying vulnerabilities within society, infrastructure, and governance systems. By exploring the various dimensions of national security, we can better appreciate the intricate balance required to protect a nation's interests while promoting global peace and stability. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper examination of the strategies, policies, and technologies employed to defend against diverse threats, emphasizing the need for a holistic and adaptive approach to national security in an ever-changing world. ## Peace, Security, and Stability Peace, security, and stability in our archipelago, mountains, air, space, cyberspace, oceans, seas, and coasts are critical components of sustainable development. The long-term economic development vision of "Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay" is based on the nation's core sociopolitical values and is reflected in the democratic way of life, which promotes participatory governance, respect for human rights and freedoms, gender equality, social justice, innovation, the rule of law, and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. These enshrined values, embedded in fundamental laws, institutions, history, and shared consciousness, underpin and propel the country's long-term national security vision through a healthy, educated, empowered citizenry with competencies that enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building regardless of the current government. ## The National Security Vision A free, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous archipelagic and maritime nation, at peace with itself and its neighbors, enabled and protected by reliable defense and public safety systems. **Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr.** 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people for over two decades. His long and faithful service has been one characterized by his genuine care for the welfare of his constituents, and a firm determination to elevate the quality of life of every Filipino. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., commonly referred to as Bongbong and by the initials BBM, was born on the 13th of September 1957 in the town of Batac, Ilocos Norte. He attended La Salle Greenhills elementary school (1964), and completed his secondary education at Worth School in West Sussex, England (1974). He earned a Special Diploma in Social Studies from Oxford University (1978). Bongbong subsequently enrolled at the Wharton School of Business for a Master of Business Administration, which was eventually cut short due to him being elected in 1980 as Vice Governor of his home province, Ilocos Norte. ## Message The Philippines' national security landscape continues to shift and transform, prompting us to constantly rethink, re-assess, and re-examine our strategies in securing our country's survival, progress, and resilience. In the face of these complexities and developments, it is necessary for us to have a coherent and comprehensive plan that will effectively address emerging threats to our national security and fulfill our long-term development goals. The National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 is a testament to our commitment to confronting traditional and non-traditional security challenges head-on even as we foster an environment that is conducive to our continued advancement. Not only does it contain a trustworthy assessment of the current and future threats and opportunities facing our nation, but it also provides a structured guideline on how we can achieve our goals given our personnel, resources, and circumstances. Let us carry out this plan with a sense of purpose and a clear vision of a secure and prosperous Philippines. With this policy guiding all our efforts, I am certain that we can achieve a brighter future for our country and our people. **Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.** **MANILA** **August 2023** A free, resilient, peaceful, and wealthy Philippines is recognized and respected by the international world, and contributes to regional peace and security. It promotes wealth, inclusion, and equality. The Philippines guarantees citizens' lives, liberty, and well-being by protecting them from natural, socio-natural, and human-induced dangers, as well as other major threats, both domestically and internationally. In the community of nations, the Philippines is capable of pursuing and implementing an independent foreign policy that takes into account the Constitution's most important considerations: national sovereignty, national interest, territorial integrity, and the right to self-determination. ## The Philippines Envisions The Philippines envisions a nation of God-fearing citizens in their roles as leaders and members of society and a polity defined by unity, and national consensus, amidst a long history of partisanship and personality politics. The Philippines envisions a democracy whose practice of transparency and accountability engenders trust, respect, collaboration, and confidence of the citizens to government leaders and motivates them to work for the common good. The Philippines envisions a political system whose avowed principles, enshrined in the Constitution, work tirelessly for the welfare of the public at large. The Philippines strives to create a culture of life-long quality learning and exploration, where channels of information work to provide knowledge and wisdom that inspire creativity and uphold human dignity. The Philippines envisions a government in collaboration with all sectors of Philippine society and with the rest of the world in staying vigilant, ever prepared, and capable of responding effectively to natural, socio natural, and human-induced hazards, and adapting to advances in technology. The Philippines wants an effective and efficient Government that is adaptable, redirecting when goals are not met, providing stability, and inspiring confidence in citizens as the international landscape changes. The Administration envisions a Philippines that is ready to move forward with the mindset that the advantage lies in unity and moral consensus, and that national strengths are leveraged best through the spirit of Bayanihan inherent in the Filipino culture. ## Enduring Values The comprehensive national security framework, product of years of policy review and analysis of the country's internal and external realities, defines national security as: *"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 protected and enhanced."* Based on this definition, there are enduring values that have enabled Filipinos through the centuries to cope and thrive. The Philippines shall defend, preserve, and strengthen the enduring values for national security, sustainable economic development, people empowerment, and a globally competitive nation. These values are expressed concisely as: - _Maka-Diyos_ (God fearing) - _Makatao_ (humane) - _Maka-kalikasan_ (pro-environment) - _Makabansa_ (patriotic) **Love of God.** The Philippines respects differences in religious beliefs, lives in harmony with others regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, and culture, and shows adherence to ethical principles by upholding truth, honesty, compassion, and kindness. Patriotism and Love of Country. The Philippines puts premium to education, health, science and technology, arts, literature, culture, history, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote human liberation and integral economic development. The quest for "Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay" shall be supported by a citizenry willing and able to defend the national interest. ## Rule of Law and Respect for Human Rights The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential public services that the Government must provide. The Philippines guarantees the adequate provision of these services and commits to promote, protect, and defend human rights as enunciated in various international covenants. The Government ensures that everyone is treated equally and that the administration of justice and respect for the human rights redound to the empowerment of the Filipino people and the well-being of the nation. ## Common Good The Philippines shall continue to assert its place in the community of nations as a sovereign state that deserves international recognition and respect for the Philippine territories and jurisdictions where the Filipino people are able to exercise the rights and privileges due them. The preservation and protection of the national environment and respect for the tenets of common heritage of mankind and global public good shall be promoted. The Philippines subscribes to fair and transparent global competition in trade and commerce based on agreed rules and rejects economic coercion as a policy instrument, pursuant to the Philippines' commitment to a rules-based trading regime. The Philippines supports the growth of free market, entrepreneurship and private enterprises with broad-based ownership structures and welcomes foreign investments in key industries, including public services. ## Democracy and Freedom The Philippines shall continue to promote a rules-based international order anchored on multilateralism, ideals of sovereign equality of States, peaceful settlement of disputes, and conduct of international relations without threat to human security or use of force, as embodied in the Charter of the United Nations. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations. The Philippines shall use its stature and goodwill in promoting harmony, respect, and understanding in the regional and global community. ## Fortitude The Philippines' defense and public safety systems shall protect the people, entrepreneurship and businesses, agriculture and manufacturing assets, public and private utilities, and critical infrastructure against natural and human induced threats, as well as ensure the speedy recovery after a crisis. ## Inclusivity The Philippines seeks the broadest possible cooperation within NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 2023-2028 Philippine society and with other States to build a security environment favorable to the pursuit of political, economic, defense, and national security interests of the country. ## Social Justice The Government ensures that individuals and communities in the archipelago are accorded free and open expressions of individual, social, ethnic, cultural, gender, and religious identities towards a stable foundation of a just and dynamic social order. ## Innovation The Philippines recognizes the role of research and development, science and technology, and innovation in nation-building and sustainable economic growth. The Philippines seeks to utilize these to increase productivity, introduce efficiency in the national and global value chains, enhance access to quality education, and promote knowledge transfer to positively shape society. ## National Security Threats National security threats in the Philippines are multifaceted, reflecting the country's strategic position, sociopolitical complexities, and economic constraints. 1. **Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea** Our country has territorial conflicts in the South China Sea, mainly with China. The Spratly Islands, Scarborough Shoal, and portions of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are among the disputed territories. China's strong claims and militarization of these areas pose serious security issues for the Philippines, threatening its sovereignty and maritime rights. 2. **Insurgencies and Terrorism** The Philippines faces internal security threats from various insurgent groups: - **Communist Insurgency** - The New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency, primarily in rural areas. - **Islamic Extremism** - Groups such as Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and factions aligned with the Islamic State (IS) operate in the southern regions, particularly in Mindanao. The 2017 Marawi Siege by IS-aligned militants highlighted the severity of this threat. 3. **Illegal Drugs and Crime** The spread of illegal drugs and the resulting crime rates are serious worries. President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs sought to reduce the drug problem, but it has also sparked concerns about human rights violations and arbitrary deaths. 4. **Natural Disasters and Climate Change** Considering its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, our country is particularly vulnerable to natural calamities including as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, jeopardizing national security, economic stability, and public safety. 5. **Cybersecurity Threats** With increasing digitalization, our country faces cybersecurity threats from cyberattacks, data breaches, and online criminal activities. Protecting critical infrastructure, government systems, and private data is crucial for maintaining national security. 6. **Economic Security** Economic stability is closely linked to national security. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality can exacerbate social tensions and contribute to instability. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of economic resilience and the need for effective response mechanisms to mitigate economic shocks. 7. **External Influence and Geopolitical Rivalries** Our country navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly between major powers like the United States and China. Maintaining sovereignty while managing alliances and external influences is a delicate balancing act that impacts national security. 8. **Peace Process in Mindanao** The peace process in Mindanao, particularly with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is critical for long-term stability. Ensuring the successful implementation of peace agreements and addressing underlying socio-economic issues are essential for sustainable peace. ## Government Response and Strategies Our government employs a range of strategies to address these security concerns, including: - Strengthening military and law enforcement capabilities. - Enhancing maritime security and asserting territorial claims. - Promoting peace and development programs in conflict-affected areas. - Collaborating with international allies and regional organizations. - Implementing comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management plans. - Fostering economic development and social inclusion initiatives.