The said meeting was a follow-up activity on the Outcomes of the 2023 ACF Commander’s Meeting and ASEAN Summit 2023 on the formal establishment of the ACF was chaired by IDNCG Director for Cooperation, First Admiral Eka Satariis.

During the event, CG Admiral Gavan and INDCG Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral TNI T.E. Witjaksono, S.E., M.Tr.(Han), provided the strategic direction for the meeting. In his keynote address, CG Admiral Gavan emphasized the importance of working together in addressing the myriad of maritime challenges.

“As maritime nations, the ASEAN community faces a myriad of challenges ranging from transnational crime and illegal fishing and other non-traditional maritime security threats and challenges to natural disasters and environmental degradation. It is imperative that we work hand in hand to address these challenges effectively, enhancing our collective capacity and resilience in the face of evolving threats,” PCG Commandant said.

“By fostering greater cooperation and information-sharing among our coast guard agencies, we can effectively combat these threats and ensure the safety and security of our maritime domain,” he added.

Admiral Gavan also encouraged everyone to actively engage, openly express ideas and provide insights during the meeting.

“Together, let us explore innovative solutions, identify areas for collaboration, and chart a course towards a safer and more secure maritime future in the ASEAN region,” the PCG Commandant furthered.

The ACF Terms of Reference (TOR) and Concept Papers, New Initiatives, and details for next ACF Commander’s Meeting was also tackled.

Moreover, the INDCG presented the proposed guidelines for the establishment for the three (3) working groups for the ACF.

The PCG also proposed for the development of a common protocol for ACF members entitled “Common Protocols for Engagement at Sea between Coast Guard and other Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies” (C-PEACE). This proposal aims to establish common guidelines during encounters at sea between ASEAN Coast Guards.

Furthermore, as the Chairman of the upcoming 3rd ACF Commander’s Meeting, the PCG provided the updates on the preparations scheduled to be held in Davao City from 04 to 07 June, 2024.

The meeting brought together distinguished representatives from Coast Guard and Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies of the ASEAN member states. Attendees included delegates from the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with Myanmar joining virtually.

According to Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs CG-5, CG Commodore Algier Ricafrente, the successful conduct of the TEGM of ACF underscores the commitment of ASEAN member states to enhance maritime security, promote regional stability, and foster cooperation in the ASEAN region.