Understanding the security threats between the Philippines and China and its different facets were underscored in the 3rd lecture of the Carlos Chan Lecture Series (CCLS). PACS organized two lectures attended by representatives from different government offices and agencies on the topics of “Philippines-China Law Enforcement Cooperation: Achievements and Challenges” and “The Rise of Chinese Maritime Militias: Understanding the Threat it Brings” discussed by Mr. Lucio Pitlo, III and Ms. Ivy Ganadillo, respectively.

On 18 July 2019, PACS held its 3rd CCLS at AFPCOC, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Mr. Lucio Pitlo, a research fellow of Asia Pacific Pathways (APPFI), discussed the current efforts of Philippines and China law enforcement agencies in combatting transnational crimes, including telecommunications fraud, on-line fraud, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and wildlife trafficking. The security and law enforcement cooperation as one of the recent developments of the two countries renewed relations is still less institutionalized. The working relations between relevant bureaucracies and language barrier are some of the identified major problems. On China’s maritime militia, Ms. Ivy Ganadillo, a university lecturer from the Ateneo De Manila University, presented the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia’s (PAFMM) history, background, and current developments. She also compared the different approaches of Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan in handling this maritime security concern. Ms. Ganadillo underscored the importance of acknowledging, documenting, and publicly mentioning the actions of the PAFMM. “The Philippines may also utilize the potential of its alliances to improve maritime domain awareness, and promote information exchanges and diplomatic coordination,” she added.

The Carlos Chan Lecture Series is a forum organized by PACS to provide a venue for the academic, think tanks, and government offices to discuss pressing contemporary issues of Philippines-China relations. (Check PACS event page for the next CCLS lectures.)

Speakers Presentations (download)

PH-CN Law Enforcement Cooperation
China’s People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militias