(University of the Philippines Open University, 2024-06-03)
Balderas, Stephanie
This study was conducted to assess the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) in combatting piracy threats in the Sulu-Celebes Sea as it contributes to greater regional cooperation. The TCA was able to address piracy, armed robbery against ships, and maritime kidnapping-for-ransom in the tri-border of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Said engagement remains relevant in combatting other maritime security threats in the Sulu-Celebes Sea, including smuggling of goods, human trafficking, illicit trade of endangered species, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, among others.
To foster greater regional maritime security cooperation, the TCA needs to hurdle both internal challenges within the TCA and external challenges that affect the members. The TCA serves as an example of regional collaboration that can address maritime security challenges in Southeast Asia.
The study recognizes the ASEAN as a relevant intergovernmental institution that promotes regional identity building and the sociocultural aspect that addresses security in the region. It recommends that the TCA establish a centralized database, utilize an output-based strategic development, and expand the cooperation to cognizant agencies. The study also suggests the strengthening of the piracy regime in Southeast Asia and that the ASEAN establish a maritime security partnership, centralized maritime coordination center, and centralized maritime security task force.
