Long-term cooperation helps the Philippines and the wider region be better prepared for the next pandemic, among other CBRN emergencies  

In a globalized world, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) events and incidents, ranging from COVID-19 to deliberate acts of CBRN terrorism, do not respect borders – a threat to one country is a threat to all countries. In this environment, the need for regional and international cooperation to address CBRN emergencies has never been more important.

Recognizing this fact, the European Union (EU)-funded CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (CBRN CoE), jointly implemented by the EU and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), seeks to promote peace, stability and conflict prevention by strengthening all-hazards security governance in Partner Countries of the EU following a voluntary and demand-driven approach. 

At the heart of the Initiative, CBRN CoE Regional Secretariats, located in eight regions of the world, unite 64 Partner Countries in their shared commitment to prevent, detect and respond to CBRN emergencies, whether natural, accidental or criminal in origin. In the ASEAN region, the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia connects Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam in this common goal.

On 23 March 2023, the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia, hosted by the Government of the Philippines, celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Marking this important occasion, senior representatives from the Philippine Government, members of the Philippine CBRN National Team, National Focal Points representing 10 Partner Countries from across the ASEAN region, and officials from the EU and the UN gather to celebrate 10 years of successful cooperation.

With opening speeches delivered by Atty. Florentino Manalastas Jr., CBRN CoE Head of Secretariat for Southeast Asia, Officer in Charge (OIC), Anti-Terrorism Council - Program Management Center (ATC-PMC), Office of the Executive Secretary of the Philippines; H.E. Ambassador Luc Véron, EU Delegation to the Philippines; Chief Supt. Gilbert D. Dolot, CBRN CoE Primary National Focal Point for the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Dr. Alexander Hamilton, CBRN CoE Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia, UNICRI, the event revisits the history and milestones of the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia, showcases CBRN risk mitigation achievements of Partner Countries in the region, and features a Simulation Exercise (SimEx) highlighting how interagency collaboration in the Philippines has strengthened the country’s capacity to respond to CBRN emergencies.

Under the leadership the Head of Secretariat, Atty. Florentino Manalastas Jr., ATC-PMC, with the support of BFP, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and with the steadfast commitment of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, the 10-year anniversary of the CBRN CoE Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia celebrates our shared commitment to work together towards a safer and more secure world.

Contacts

For further information please contact:

Rory Alexander Hamilton

CBRN CoE Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia, UNICRI 

Mobile: +63 9178616448

Email: alexander.hamilton@un.org 

Catherine Benedicto 

Team Assistant, UNICRI 

Mobile: +63 9176238012

Email: catherine.benedicto@un.org