PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

04 September 2025, CANBERRA – Undersecretary Bernardo Florece Jr., Executive Director of the Anti-Terrorism Council - Program Management Center (ATC-PMC), led the Philippine delegation in reaffirming the country’s strong and enduring partnership with Australia in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.

The Philippines and Australia convened the 11th Counter-Terrorism Consultations on 04 September 2025 in Canberra, co-chaired by Undersecretary Florece and Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Gemma Huggins, with Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales joining the delegation.

The engagement underscored the commitment to advancing capacity-building support, knowledge exchange, and strategic cooperation to address emerging and evolving security threats.

The consultations provided a platform for both sides to review current threat assessments and exchange insights on regional and global terrorism trends. Key areas of discussion included online and youth radicalization, law enforcement and justice cooperation, legislative measures, and efforts to counter terrorism financing.

Following the consultations, Undersecretary Florece, Ambassador Morales and National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico paid a courtesy call on Hon Dr. Anne Aly MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Development, who has extensive expertise in counter-terrorism and has conducted research on Southeast Asian case studies, including the Philippines. The meeting underscored the links between inclusive development, community resilience, and the prevention of radicalization.

Australia recognized the Philippines’ achievements in countering terrorism and cited the country’s whole-of-government and community-driven efforts that have led to a sustained decline in the overall threat environment.

Since the signing of the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, the Philippines and Australia have worked closely across various levels to address terrorism as a transnational threat that undermines democratic institutions and endangers lives. Cooperation has included policy dialogue, intelligence and information exchange, capacity-building initiatives, and joint operational efforts, all aimed at reinforcing security and stability in the region. - END