Maritime patrol and coast guard leaders from ASEAN member states are seeking formal recognition of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as an official sector of the regional bloc to enhance maritime security cooperation across Southeast Asia.
The proposal was highlighted during the ACF’s fifth annual meeting in Manila in June 2026, where member nations adopted a joint declaration supporting greater collaboration through dialogue, information sharing, capacity building and operational coordination.
Officials said formal recognition would provide a dedicated platform for coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies to work more closely on issues affecting the region’s vast maritime domain. The initiative reflects the growing importance of safeguarding sea lanes that support trade, food security and the livelihoods of millions across Southeast Asia.
Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the forum has created a formal mechanism for coast guards and maritime enforcement agencies to discuss common challenges and coordinate responses more effectively.
Delegations from ASEAN’s 11 member states attended the meeting, including representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The members finalised guidelines covering the forum’s mandate, scope and organisational structure in the discussion.
The ACF will seek official recognition at the ASEAN Summit scheduled for Manila in November 2026.
Supporters of the proposal believe a strong institutionalised forum would improve regional efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, human and drug trafficking, environmental crimes and emerging cybersecurity threats. It would also enhance maritime safety and security cooperation in strategic waterways, including the South China Sea.
The forum currently collaborates with international partners and organisations on maritime security initiatives, data sharing and capacity-building programmes. ASEAN officials say formal recognition would strengthen the coordination and improve the region’s ability to respond to maritime incidents and security challenges.
