U.S. and PHL hold virtual counter threat network training

Led by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the United States and the Philippines conducted a virtual Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Counter Threat Network collaboration from January 18 to 22.

The goal of the exchange was to share best practices, knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the identification and analysis of networks that threaten Philippine national security interests.  These networks include, but are not limited to, violent extremist organizations, transnational criminal groups, and other actors conducting nefarious activities.

DTRA’s Counter Threat Network methodology focuses on skills and tools for the analysis of networks and their historical patterns to enable Filipino military and security forces to infiltrate and disrupt these networks.

The participants in the exchange include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard representatives to the National Coast Watch System, and the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force.

This is the first in a series of virtual and in-person engagements that were initially planned to begin in 2020 but were delayed due to the global pandemic.  The collaboration is also part of an integrated, multi-year cross-agency effort that expands on DTRA’s support for the establishment of the Philippine National Coast Watch System.

DTRA hopes that this training is the launch point for the two countries’ continued cooperation through the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.  It shows DTRA’s strong commitment to this partnership and to the safety and security of the Filipino people.