(AseanAll) — The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND), serving as Co-Chair alongside Brunei Darussalam, convened the 8th Ad Hoc Working Group (AHWG) on the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI) on April 15, 2026, via virtual teleconferencing, bringing together representatives from ASEAN Member States to advance regional defense communications cooperation.
The meeting progressed ADI Phase 2, including the review and endorsement of the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Technical Specifications, as well as discussions on the proposed cost-sharing model and procurement process.
In her opening remarks, DND Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Philippines ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) Working Group Leader Marita I. Yoro, CESO III, underscored the importance of secure and real-time communication systems amid an increasingly complex information environment.
“As our region becomes increasingly interconnected within a complex and dynamic information environment, the need for secure, reliable, and real-time communication among our institutions has never been more critical,” Asec. Yoro said.
She also commended the Integrated Project Team (IPT) for its progress across both technical and policy dimensions of ADI Phase 2, highlighting the convergence of key considerations such as data sovereignty, cybersecurity standards, system resilience, and access control.
Brunei Darussalam ADSOM Working Group Leader Hajah Siti Maszaiwati, Director of Defence Policy, likewise highlighted key milestones under the ADI initiative, noting sustained progress since the last AHWG in 2023.
The ADI, an initiative under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), serves as a secure and rapid communication system linking defense establishments across ASEAN, aimed at enhancing coordination and reducing the risk of miscommunication during crisis and emergency situations.
Under Phase 2, the ADI will expand its capabilities to include secure electronic messaging and video teleconferencing systems, supporting both crisis response and routine multilateral communications.
In her closing remarks, Officer-in-Charge of the Office for DND Information Security Atty. Odessa Rossilyz L. Magisa underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among ASEAN Member States, acknowledging the successful conduct of the meeting despite its virtual modality.
“This meeting affirms the very purpose of the AHWG—to ensure that our lines of communication remain open, effective, and reliable, regardless of the situation,” Atty. Magisa said.
The successful convening of the 8th AHWG on ADI underscores ASEAN’s continued commitment to strengthening trust, interoperability, and resilience in addressing evolving regional security challenges.
