ASEAN season again

It is ASEAN season once again in Cebu, but on a smaller scale. We are set to host the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, the highest form of defense within the region. It aims to promote peace, stability, and security through dialogue and practical cooperation. It will be ironic for countries to unite despite the turmoil among its members. Yet again, we are on our toes preparing for our visitors to arrive. From deploying over 2,000 police and more, we are ready.

Remember that Thailand and Cambodia have yet to resolve their land dispute over ancient borders. Thailand and Myanmar also share a similar issue, with the latter under military rule. Many of its citizens live in exile in other ASEAN countries just so they can escape the lives they have been forced to live. I have been privileged to meet a few who are eager to start again, free from the chaos in their country. Of course, they will always call it home, but until there is peace, they would rather live overseas.

I find the whole structure a bit funny, yet equally important, as the region continues to grapple with security issues. ASEAN has extended its dialogue to eight other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. East Asian countries like China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea are also on board, but everyone seems mum about the West Philippine Sea and other maritime security concerns. A hot topic will be cybersecurity because the region is also known for its scam hubs and troll farms. In fact, many entrapment operations have leads in Southeast Asian countries, masking opportunities for illegal detention. They feast on the hard work of others at the expense of human lives.

It is also high time for us to reflect on whether we have done our best for our country in terms of defense and security. We are so busy trying to ward off foreign elements, especially in our seas, that we forget that our real enemies are ourselves. This country is eating itself from the inside, with its own top officials bickering against each other. We have a vice president who is on trial right now over the alleged misuse of public funds, which could have gone a long way if only we knew where all the money went. Many are charged with plunder, sharing the same common denominator of corruption, something we should have safeguarded against a long time ago.

Again, I enjoy the benefits we get from ASEAN, but the meetings seem to be heading towards another cliffhanger. It seems like the notes are already being prepared for next year’s host. I only hope that beyond the tourism and economic drivers it brings, we also make the most of it. If only the region worked as one and acted swiftly, I’m sure we could address our issues without creating a fuss for the whole world to see. I wonder what’s in store in the days to come.