ASEAN Coast Guards Advance Formal Establishment of Regional Forum at Manila Summit

Photo Courtesy of ASEAN 2026 PH / Facebook | Uploaded: 10:!3 AM - June 5, 2026

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), led by Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, has finalized the foundational framework for the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), marking a major step toward formalized regional maritime security during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.

The 5th ACF High-Level Meeting in Manila (June 4-5, 2026) saw representatives finalize the ACF Concept Paper and Terms of Reference, which will guide the forum's mandate and structure. A Joint Declaration was adopted, seeking to establish the ACF as a subsidiary body under the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, transitioning it into a recognized ASEAN sectoral body.

This initiative responds to the 48th ASEAN Summit's mandate for enhanced maritime cooperation. Delegates from 11 nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, attended, committing to improved information sharing, capacity building, and coordinated responses to regional maritime challenges. The meeting also reviewed support from partners like the UNODC and the Korea-ASEAN Maritime Safety Academy.