Southeast asia Archives - Crimario II

IORIS in pictures: strengthening maritime coordination in the Philippines

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:57:25 +0000

As maritime challenges grow more complex, real-time information sharing and coordinated action are more vital than ever. This featured interview with SN1 Victor Vicente T. Viceral of the Philippine Coast Guard Command Center highlights how the IORIS platform supports collaboration, training, and operational readiness—captured through a powerful image taken during a simulated maritime incident.

Can you describe the situation taking place when the photo was captured?

The photo captures a moment of teamwork among personnel from various units of the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems Command (CGWCEISC) during a simulated maritime incident. As part of the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) Foundation Course, 14 personnel—trained under the Radio Operators and Maintenance Course—worked together on a search and rescue (SAR) mission. This collaboration highlights the importance of effective communication, coordination, and the use of the IORIS platform to improve maritime safety and response capabilities in the region.

How does this photo demonstrate the importance of information sharing at sea?

The image emphasizes the vital role of real-time communication and data sharing at sea. It shows Coast Guard personnel using the IORIS platform during a maritime exercise, demonstrating how timely information exchange enhances coordination, speeds up response times, and improves overall safety. This underscores the significance of interconnected systems and the ability to maintain situational awareness during complex maritime incidents.

Why do you feel this image is a strong representation of IORIS in action?

This photo is a powerful representation of IORIS because it vividly shows Coast Guard personnel actively using the platform to respond to a maritime situation. It captures IORIS’s role in improving situational awareness, supporting quick decisions, and fostering collaboration across different units. The image effectively highlights IORIS’s core values—real-time data exchange, efficient response, and seamless teamwork—key components in ensuring effective maritime security operations.

SN1 Victor Vicente T. Viceral, Record Management Specialist, PCG Command Center, IORIS Trainer – Philippine Coast Guard

SN1 Viceral is one of the pioneers of IORIS within the Philippine Coast Guard and currently serves at the PCG Command Center. His responsibilities include enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness, tracking vessels of interest, monitoring PCG vessel operations, and ensuring coordinated responses during maritime incidents. As an IORIS Trainer, he plays a key role in building internal capacity and fostering inter-agency collaboration through the use of the platform.

About the PCG Command Center

The Philippine Coast Guard Command Center (PCGCC) functions as the central hub for maritime incident monitoring and response across the country. Operating 24/7, the Center supports maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and disaster response. It leverages real-time information, inter-agency coordination, and integrated command and surveillance systems to ensure effective operations at sea.

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CRIMARIO at the EU & Latin America and the Caribbean bi-regional seminar on peace, security and defence challenges

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:54:27 +0000

On September 17, 2024, civilian and military experts from 35 European Union (EU), Latin American, and Caribbean (LAC) countries, along with key decision-makers, gathered in Cartagena, Colombia, for the Fourth Seminar on Security and Defense.

The seminar, organized by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), and the Spanish Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional (CESEDEN), in collaboration with the Escuela Superior de Guerra (ESDEG) and others, focused on exchanging views on global challenges, sharing best practices, and exploring opportunities to enhance security and defence cooperation.

Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides, Commander of the Colombian National Navy, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of National Defense, Iván Velásquez Gómez.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration in the maritime domain for Latin American countries.

In his address, Admiral Cubides referenced CRIMARIO, highlighting it as a prime example of successful international cooperation in maritime security.

He described it as “a succesful model for creating information-sharing mechanisms, capacity development, and improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).”

Additionally, the IORIS platform, designed for communication, coordination, and collaboration among partners, was recognized for its effective use in Colombia.

Admiral Cubides praised IORIS for helping coordinate maritime operations, combat transnational organized crime, and address illicit activities such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing.

He also stressed the significance of IORIS Community Areas (CAs), which bring together countries and agencies based on geography or specific themes. These structure, he noted, facilitate smoother information exchange and enhance operational coordination at sea, enabling greater capacity to address emerging threats and safeguard vital maritime routes.

You can read Admiral Cubides’s address below.

Speech for the Fourth Seminar on Security and Defence – European Union and Latin American and Caribbean Countries

“Distinguished representatives of the European Union, the European Security and Defence College, the National Defence Studies Centre, ambassadors, colleagues from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and esteemed guests:

Today, I have the honor of addressing you on behalf of the Minister of National Defence, Iván Velásquez Gómez, who, unfortunately, cannot be here due to unavoidable commitments. However, he has entrusted me with the important mission of conveying a message of great relevance for the security and defence of our countries, particularly regarding the strengthening of international cooperation in the maritime domain.

We find ourselves at a crucial moment in our history, where the security of maritime spaces is becoming increasingly important, not only for the protection of our resources but also to ensure global trade, economic development, and the stability of our regions. This seminar represents a solid step toward strengthening the ties between the European Union and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, who share the same challenges and must therefore collaborate to address them together.

It is important to highlight the valuable participation of the 30 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as our partners from the European Union; this reflects our shared commitment to global maritime security. This diversity of actors and their perspectives enriches the debate and strengthens our collective capacity to confront transnational threats. Cooperation among these nations is essential to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The active participation of all these countries demonstrates our firm and united commitment to ensuring stability and security in our oceans, for the benefit of our regions and the world.

CRIMARIO: A Pillar of International Cooperation in Maritime Security

Since the establishment of the CRIMARIO program in 2015, the European Union has taken a significant step forward in consolidating a framework for international cooperation focused on enhancing maritime security. What began in the Western Indian Ocean has expanded to include the Indo-Pacific region, and today, thanks to its extension into the Pacific and Latin America, we find ourselves at a strategic point where our nations can greatly benefit from the capabilities this project offers.

CRIMARIO II has proven to be a successful model for creating information exchange mechanisms, capacity development, and improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). In Colombia, we have adopted the IORIS platform in our Naval Operations Centres, allowing us to better coordinate our maritime operations, combat transnational organized crime, and address illicit activities such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing. This platform is a powerful tool for real-time information sharing, and we are committed to continuing its use to enhance our maritime interdiction capabilities.

A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security

CRIMARIO II has not only facilitated collaboration between countries and agencies but has also promoted a comprehensive approach that recognizes that maritime security extends beyond the military dimension. This initiative encompasses economic, social, and technological elements, allowing for a more effective response to the threats we face in our seas. Cooperation among Information Fusion Centres (IFCs) and interoperability through SHARE.IT are clear examples of how the unification of forces and data sharing can make a significant difference in regional and international security.

We understand that organized crime, illicit activities, and environmental challenges present in our oceans cannot be solved by a single country. We need a coordinated and sustained response among all nations that share these seas and rely on them for the well-being of our economies and populations.

Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean

In Latin America and the Caribbean, we face a complex maritime reality. Drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and piracy continue to be challenges that must be addressed with rigor and determination. The coastlines of our countries are extensive, and our trade routes are vital not only for our economies but also for the food security of millions of people.

That is why this seminar is an excellent opportunity to share experiences, discuss strategies, and enhance collaboration on maritime security issues. The IORIS Community Areas (CAs), which group countries and agencies by geography or specific themes, facilitate smoother information exchange and more effective operational coordination at sea. This translates into a greater capacity to confront emerging threats and protect our strategic maritime routes.

Cooperation Between the European Union and Latin America

The European Union has been an invaluable partner for Latin America in matters of security and defence. Through initiatives like CRIMARIO II, we have been able to strengthen our capabilities to better protect our seas and ensure regional stability. However, beyond the operational aspects, it is important to highlight that this cooperation has been fundamental in building trust among our nations, which is essential for the success of any multilateral effort in the realm of global security.

Colombia, as a country committed to peace and regional security, reiterates its willingness to continue collaborating closely with its European and regional partners. We know that only through cooperation and the unification of efforts can we effectively confront our shared challenges.

Reflection

The phrase by Admiral James Stavridis, which states: “Global security demands that, while in the past, states built walls to protect themselves, now they build alliances,” offers us a powerful and relevant reflection in the context of this Fourth Seminar on Security and Defense.

In the past, national security was conceived as an issue that could be addressed in isolation, with physical fortifications or strategies that sought to protect internal matters at all costs. However, the world has changed. Current threats, such as transnational organized crime, terrorism, cyberattacks, and environmental challenges, do not respect borders. Globalization and interconnection mean that no country can face these challenges alone. Today, true security does not lie in building barriers but in fostering collaboration and establishing solid and lasting alliances.

This seminar is, in essence, a living representation of this new reality. The cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean reflects this paradigm shift. Through strategic alliances like CRIMARIO, we have learned that the exchange of information, interoperability, and operational coordination are our best defences against shared threats. Thus, our “walls” today are relationships based on mutual trust, the integration of capabilities, and a commitment to joint global security.

Security in the 21st century is no longer about isolation but about joining forces, sharing experiences, and facing challenges together. As allied nations, we build not only for our respective sovereignties but also for the stability and prosperity of the international community as a whole.

The true strength of our nations lies in our ability to build alliances, not walls, and this seminar is a clear demonstration of this new strategic vision, where unity is the most effective shield in defending our people and our future.

In conclusion, I want to leave a message of unity and commitment: The union between our nations and our efforts is key to achieving the objectives we have set in the field of maritime security. Integrity must be the guiding principle in all our actions, both in the military and civilian spheres. And finally, victory will be the result of our determination to protect our seas, our communities, and our strategic interests.

It is a source of pride for Colombia to be part of this joint effort, and we remain firmly committed to building a homeland in defence of life.

Union, Integrity, and Victory

Thank you very much.”

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Philippine agencies work together to enhace national inter-agency coordination and information sharing on securing safe seas

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:20:38 +0000

19 Philippine national maritime law enforcement agencies worked together this week to facilitate and enhance national inter-agency information sharing and operational coordination among them with the main goal of securing the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

The Command Post Exercise “PAGHAHANDA” 2023 was jointly organised by the Philippines’ National Coast Watch Center (NCW Center) and CRIMARIO II and was held in Manila from 28 November to 01 December 2023. The Exercise facilitated fruitful discussions among the representatives of the Philippines maritime law enforcement agencies onthe benefits, impediments and relevant solutions enabling inter-agency information sharing and coordination in addressing maritime security challenges.

More importantly, it created a suitable venue for buidling up national inter-agency Standard Operating Procedures for coordination and information exchange which will be used in facilitating coordination in IORIS the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform.The Comand-Post Exercise “PAGHAHANDA” 2023 aimed to test the IORIS coordination and communication protocols in effectively facilitating the joint detection, identification, and interdiction of maritime threats within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

The successful conclusion of the exercise on IORIS demonstrated the willingness and commitment of the Philippines’ national agencies and governmental bodies to work and collaborate together, with the NCW Center as the main catalyst for interagency coordination. The exercise highlighted how strengthening cooperation and coordination could improve the joint response to real-world emergencies in today’s complex maritime world.At the same time, IORIS proved to be a reliable communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national level, facilitating the gathering, analysis, and exchange of information to timely and efficiently respond to complex and evolving maritime threats.

In his opening remarks, Philippine Coast Guard Vice Admiral Roy A Echeverria, the Director of the NCW Center, shared the importance of diverse group of participants working together towards one goal. He also emphasized the importance of the participation of maritime law enforcement agencies in operationalizing IORIS in their organization and for improved information-sharing among the Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies which will also benefit for strengthened and effective maritime security operations.

Participating in the event, Frederic Grillet, First Secretary at the EU Delegation to the Philippines added: “By participating in inter-agency exercises like PAGHAHANDA 23 and working towards the establishment of a national governance of IORIS, the Philippine sets an example for the countries in the region and transmit the message that the country is ready to cooperate regionally in addressing maritime security challenges. This will also determine the rate of expansion of IORIS in the region, because you will be the prove of its added value in strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness and increasing your country’s contribution to the blue economy and prosperity through a safe and secure maritime trade ”

Alexandru Chiric, the CRIMARIO representative for Southeast Asia said, “The role of the NCW Center as the national coordinator and administrator of IORIS is paramount in supporting the use of the platform as an advanced and more efficient inter-agency coordination and planning tool.”

Martin Cauchi-Inglott, CRIMARIO project director concluded: “The Philippines has been at the forefront of welcoming IORIS to the region and is now set to lead the way in taking ownership of IORIS, allowing itself to drive the process internally, and bridge to external partners whenever it deems necessary. My hearty congratulations go to these most professional maritime agencies participating in the exercises in the past days and to the NCW Center for co-organising and playing an essential role in conducting it”.

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EU actions in maritime security with ASEAN countries

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:26:42 +0000

[Source: EU Delegation to ASEAN] In the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action 2018 – 2022, the European Union (EU) committed itself to enhance maritime security cooperation with ASEAN.

In celebration of World Maritime Day on 30 September 2021, the EU Delegation to ASEAN shares the following information about EU actions in maritime security that also involve ASEAN member states:

– a fact sheet Maritime Security for Europe and Asia
– a printed interview with Mr Martin Cauchi-Inglott, Team Leader of the EU-supported project CRItical MAritime Routes Indian Ocean II (CriMaRIO II)
– a podcast EU-Asia security experts tell us why our oceans need protection, featuring:

Ms Joanneke Balfoort, Director for Security and Defence Policy in the European External Action Service (EEAS)
Ms Marianne Peron-Doise, Strategic Advisor in the project CRIMARIO II, and
Mr Mitchito Tsuruoka, Associate Professor at Keio University, Japan.

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IFC Singapore and EU CRIMARIO discuss maritime information sharing in Indian Ocean and Asia

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 13:29:06 +0000

The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) based in Changi, Singapore and EU CRIMARIO II project organised a first, productive, video-conference on the 30th June 2020, with a view to presenting briefs on their respective mission and objectives, and information-sharing tools (IRIS and IORIS). Both organisations had initial discussions on examining opportunities with a focus on complementarity of engagement in order to fill capability gaps and avoid duplication.

CRIMARIO II explained that it was currently in the beginning of its in-depth planning phase, and invited IFC to contribute to CRIMARIO II planning process given IFC’s knowledge and experience in enhancing maritime security in the South and Southeast Asia, through complementary and value added initiatives. Conversely, IFC was keen to learn about CRIMARIO II’s rich experience in the information sharing domain, in the Western Indian Ocean.

In this vein, both sides agreed that there was potential to work towards strengthening links between the eastern and western Indian Ocean regions, initially through exercises, but this could only be accomplished if there was a strong willingness from partners to engage. This was especially the case for CRIMARIO II, whose remit was to support countries and organisations improve maritime safety and security in the regions specified.

In conclusion, IFC invited CRIMARIO II to participate in upcoming IFC events, as the Shared Awareness Meeting (SAM), the Regional Maritime Security Practitioner Programme (RMPP) and Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX). CRIMARIO II thanked the IFC for invitation to this events and pledged to invest efforts on this regards.

Also in attendance for the video-conference were the French and German liaison officers to the IFC, who form part of the IFC’s staff, and are facilitating interface between CRIMARIO and IFC.

Photo legend: Map of maritime fusion centres in Indian Ocean and Asia (© IFC) and participants to IFC-CRIMARIO II videoconference

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CRIMARIO paves the way to CRIMARIO II

Katia.Maronati@Crimario — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:24:24 +0000

Mombasa 17 December 2019: the EU CRIMARIO project shared its achievements and concrete contribution to a better maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean during a 2-day workshop organised to mark the project closing. Senior speakers were invited to discuss challenges and initiatives of maritime security in the whole Indian Ocean to facilitate the presentation of the forthcoming CRIMARIO II project initiated by the European Union.

Held in Mombasa (Kenya), this event gathered around 60 senior officials and practitioners from the wide Indian Ocean region: the 5 partner countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles), western and eastern Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia countries (Djibouti, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Somalia, Thailand) and key international partners (EU NAVFOR, EUCAP Somalia, IMO, MASE, IOC).

The meeting was officially opened by the Head of the EU Delegation in Kenya, Ambassador Simon Mordue, and Principal Secretary of State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Nancy Karigithu. Both of them emphasized the necessity to intensify regional cooperation and maritime information sharing to reach a peaceful and healthy maritime space and protect the Blue Economy of the littoral states in the Indian Ocean rim. Besides announcing the CRIMARIO II project, Ambassador Mordue mentioned main EU capacity building initiatives focusing on Western Indian Ocean, namely a regional programme on the Red Sea, a new one on Port Security and Safety of Navigation but also the EU support to the newly established Kenya Coast Guard Services; he recalled that the longstanding historic ties of the EU with the region had seen a significant development in the security cooperation field these last years, the maritime sector being one of the most promising. As a country with great involvement in regional and international maritime security, Kenya took and is still taking on a major part in the fight against piracy and armed robbery in the waters off the Horn of Africa. As such, the country agreed to chair the Contact group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) in 2020.

The CRIMARIO team then took the floor to detail the achievements of a 5-year period: the IORIS web-based platform connecting 128 users in 5 countries and 2 regional centres – 60 training sessions in maritime data visualisation and analysis delivered to more than 1000 professionals – the transfer of AIS coastal network to Kenya authorities – and the building of a strong network of practitioners in the India Ocean aware of the importance of information sharing at national and regional level. The project developed a unique, comprehensive approach combining public diplomacy, digital communication and knowledge management put forth within the project, the IORIS platform, the capacity building actions and the partnership spirit. As a result, this European initiative has become a recognised actor in the Indian Ocean maritime security community.

During two roundtables, the complex challenges of maritime security were discussed in depth with the facilitation of Marianne Peron-Doise, CRIMARIO strategic advisor. The first exchanges assessed the strategic development in the Indian Ocean security and evocated the risks and opportunities raised by a myriad of new trends affecting the maritime domain. The global perception is that the whole region is facing many vulnerabilities with emerging non-traditional security challenges (resilience of piracy group, Illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, increase of drugs and human trafficking, threats to ocean biodiversity and environment) which need a coordinated approach and more cooperation from regional powers but also external actors interested by the stability of the region and the rule of law at sea. One of the highlights of the panel was to gather European and Indian perspectives with stimulating exchanges between the Commodore José Vizinha Mirones, EU Atalanta Force Commander and Vice-Admiral (retired) Pradeep Chauhan, the Director the National Maritime Foundation in Delhi. The two speakers agreed in particular on a form of ambiguity in the definition of any capacity building policy which should involve recognising the gap between capacity and capability. In certain situations, a state may have maritime capacities but without an effective framework to implement them (meaning agreement or political will for example) to be able to use it.

The second panel was dedicated to the current strategic developments in Southeast Asia maritime security. One of the objectives of the panel was to facilitate the presentation of the new EU capacity building project, CRIMARIO II that will see the expansion of the IORIS platform to the Eastern Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. For those who had no great knowledge of the state of the relations between EU and ASEAN it was an excellent opportunity to highlight that ASEAN has become one of the showcases of the EU foreign policy in Asia. Moreover, in the security field, the most developed domain for cooperation has been maritime security. Southeast Asia’s stability and prosperity depends to a large extend on a safe, secure maritime domain but Asian waters are well known to be the theatre of illegal activities ranging from violent acts of piracy and smuggling to IUU fishing, migrations as well as environmental damages which all need to be addressed through regional and international cooperation. These topics were explored with a great success by three senior searchers : Dr Jay Benson, from One Earth Future USA, in charge of the Stable Seas programme, Captain (retired) Martin Sebastian, from the Maritime Institute of Malaysia and Professor Tomonori Yoshizaki from the National Institute for Defence Studies of Japan.

The main take away from the panellists was to underline that despite the fact that the region was benefitting from strong foundations to fight maritime insecurity with existing frameworks, maritime mechanisms, exchange structures and political military dialogues (RECAAP, IFC Changi, various ASEAN forum) information sharing was considered to be weak at the regional and national level. Beyond technology, the lack of info-sharing is mainly related to human and trust issues as well as inter agencies rivalries.

Another element to take into account is that unlike the Indian Ocean, maritime security is closely linked with sovereignty issues and economics rights in the waters of Southeast Asia, which can lead to complex relations between Navies, Coast-Guards and others Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies (MLEA). However, the significant development of Coast-Guards fleets in the region can be noted, notably with the active support of Japan and its “coast guard diplomacy”.

Captain Hassan Afrah, Director of Somali Maritime Administration, then intervened to talk about his difficult period of captivity when he was in the hands of pirates, giving us to understand the human reality of piracy.

Ondrej Vosatka, CMR programme manager, DG for International Development and Cooperation of the European Commission, made a presentation of the CRIMARIO II project. He underlined that with this project, EU wants to offer partner countries a way to strengthen cooperation on maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean rim and Southeast Asia countries. Apart from the IORIS platform, additional activities will be provided to increase law enforcement capacities, encouraging cross sectorial and interregional approaches in maritime surveillance and policing. The project will bring support to the creation of a regional platform for communication among law enforcement agencies.

The conclusion of the workshop underlined the importance of transparent cooperation and a trusting dialogue between regional officials and partners concerned with preserving good maritime governance in the Indian Ocean. The continuation of the CRIMARIO project and its extension to the eastern Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia requires the pursuit of this dialogue and feeding it regularly.

The inauguration of the AIS coastal network provided by CRIMARIO was held separately on December 18^th,2019. See dedicated article.

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