RC National Security Forum: Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Peace

On November 16, 2016, I spent a significant portion of my salary to run from my workplace in Manila (where I work as a self-proclaimed mermaid in Manila Bay) to Pasay, and then to Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Along with a lost of money, I also kind of lost my inner peace. 

But let me tell you: I may have spewed out words so colorful that it would have made sailors blush, but braving the atrocious Manila traffic was so worth it.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Rotary International's National Security Forum, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Holy Spirit, and held at the Civil Relations Service Multi-Purpose Hall. Various Rotary Club members, officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and civilians attended the event. Central to this gathering were the discussions on cybersecurity and the onging peace talks. The presentations were quite timely and relevant to the current atmosphere of national security. 

Here are, in my opinion, the highlights of the talks.:

"Status of Philippie Cybersecurity" by Pierre Tito Galla, PECE, Co-Founder and Co-Convenor, Democracy.net.ph 

The first topic of the evening is something that I have been (vehemently) advocating at work. Although I'm only as technically proficient as the next FB user, I think that we've seen enough sci-fi and action flicks to show us how much cyberattacks can screw up, well, everything. Engr. Pierre Tito Galla, co-founder and co-convenor of Democracy.net.ph, gave a quick run through of the fundamentals of cyberdefense and cybersecurity, as well as the various cases of cyberattacks, and enumerated the devastating effects of cyberattacks, which include damage to critical infrastructures, socioeconomic repercussions, and sociopolitical unrest, painting a realistic and terrifying picture, which left the audience dumbstruck. 

Amidst this discussion, half of my mental capacities were preoccupied with the importance of cybersecurity to national security in general. The other half was in bathing in the bitter reality of our current capability to protect our beloved motherland from cyberattacks (or the lack thereof), and that the only reason we don't have to go on full panic mode yet is the fact that our Internet sucks. Perhaps a proper metaphor is that  we're in deep, shark-infested waters, and all we can do is dog paddle. The good engineer put it in a much more eloquent manner, of course.

Since this topic requires a much longer discussion, I'll probably do a Part 2 of this blogpost. For now, if you, dear reader, are interested in the advocacies of Engr. Galla's group, you can check out their work at their website and follow their initiatives at their Facebook page.

"Challenges Facing Filipino Soldiers in the Renewed Negotiation for Peace" by Col Edgard A. Arevalo, Deputy Commander, Civil Relations Services, Armed Forces of the Philippines

Confession time: I very much admire the second speaker. Although I was only able to work with him for a short while during last year's Environmental Working Group, it was a joy to learn more about communication techniques just by listening to him. The second subject was presented by Col. Edgard A. Arevalo, Deputy Commander of the Civil Relations Services Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRS AFP). The talk zeroed in on the perspective of the AFP on the move of the government towards peace, particularly in dealing with the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and the National Democratic Front (collectively called the CPP-NPA-NDF).

True to the hardcore legacy of the Philippine Marines, Col Arevalo began with these words: "I am a Filipino, a soldier, and I am ready to pay the price for peace, even if it means war." Needless to say, I was hooked. The Deputy Commander of the CRS then proceeded to discuss how the AFP is contributing to the peace process. Emphasis was placed on how the AFP is handling the ceasefire agreement with the CPP-NPA-CDF. Emphasized was placed on how the AFP, as a military institution, is completely supportive of the peace process but, in the words of the legendary Auror Alastor Moody, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" is always applied. Obedience, NOT blind obedience, from our military is required to ensure that the peace process does not fail. This means that the AFP monitors both the CPP-NPA-NDF and its men and women should there be any breach in the provisions of the ceasefire agreement. The AFP also continues to conduct civil military operations as part of its commitment to national progress, acting as a conduit and support for community development. This aspect ties in very nicely with the next talk.

For those who want to know more about what the CRS, check out their FB page to find out more about the cool stuff they do.

Speakers Col Arevalo and Engr. Galla with several ladies from the Rotary Club.

"DND's Roadmap Amidst the Prospects of a Conclusive Peace Talks" and "Updates on the GPH-NDF Peace Negotiations" by ASEC Teodoro Cirilo Torralba III, Plans and Programs, Office of the Secretary of Department of Defense

The final talk of the evening was delivered by ASEC Teodoro Cirilio Torralba, of the Plans and Programs of the Department of National Defense. He presented the Philippine Government's roadmap for the peace process, along with the progress we have been achieving. What is quite striking to me is that the roadmap's timeline is only for one year - no small feat, and, if achieved, a huge step to achieving lasting peace for the country. I am also quite happy with the the inclusion of socioeconomic reforms in order to develop vulnerable areas. In my opinion, this is an essential part of the peace process, as socioeconomic stability is essential to achieve peace, as well as sustain it. After all, one of the main catalysts for conflict is social inequality.

The Rotary Club's National Security Forum was a wonderful opportunity to learn and share insights on issues relevant to the lasting peace and sustainable development. Long story short: if there's ever another opportunity to attend another security forum by the RC, I'd love to participate. Manila traffic, bring it on.

Want to know more about the Rotary Club's advocacy for peace? Listen to them and their Subject Matter Expert in the radio show Rotary Hour, hosted by Col Gerardo Zamudio of the Philippine Airforce on DWDD 1134 kHz AM Katropa Radio.