U.S., PH Hold Joint Maritime Training on Hazardous Materials

From March 24 to 28, the United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s International Counterproliferation Program, conducted maritime security training to boost the Philippines’ efforts against the trafficking of hazardous materials.

The training, titled Targeting and Risk Management Workshop, was held in Manila and focused on countering the movement of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials through maritime routes.

DTRA experts, in partnership with instructors from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security, trained 35 participants from multiple Philippine government agencies.

The sessions aimed to enhance the identification, targeting and interdiction of vessels and cargoes suspected of carrying components linked to weapons of mass destruction.

The workshop also included “train-the-trainer” exercises to help institutionalize maritime security practices and address operational and doctrinal gaps.

Representatives came from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

Director Jose S. Embang Jr. of the Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center’s CBRN Office thanked DTRA for its support in enhancing the country’s tracking and response capabilities at seaports.

He emphasized that the training contributes to both national and global security.

“We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

“We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” he added.

The workshop is part of DTRA’s broader initiative to improve interagency coordination in the Philippines.

It also aims to enhance the country’s ability to counter weapons proliferation and respond effectively to maritime security threats.

This cooperation supports a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, aligned with U.S.-Philippine defense priorities.