1. "Internal Threat is the category of conflict of the State against hostile local

elements. Certain groups that pose threats to the national security seek to replace

the current government with their own government. The following are the internal

threats within the country:

a. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)

b. Communist Party of the Philippines / New People's Army / National Democratic

Front (CPP / NPA / NDF)

c. Organized crime

d. Grave incidence of poverty

e. Economic sabotage

f. Graft and corruption

g. Severe calamities

h. Persistent Environment Degradation

2. External Threat is the category of conflict of the State against other countries or

foreign forces. The following are the external threats within the country:

a. Multilateral dispute over the Spratly Islands;

b. Smuggling of firearms and contrabands, illegal migration, and the occasional

movement of foreign terrorists through the porous borders of our southwestern

frontier;

c. Lingering effects of the currency crisis affecting the countries within the

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

d. Serious economic disparity between rich and poor nations;

e. Ethnic, religious, and cultural conflict;

f. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD);

g. Transnational organized crime;

h. Natural disasters and environmental issues/climate change; and

i. Cybernetic crim"

Think of two concerns on national security (one internal threat and one external

threat) that the Philippines face in the present day, and should be prioritized

by the government. Refer to the list of threats on national security presented

in this chapter, and provide specific instances or examples that really occurred

in our country.

2. "National Security Interest

1. Public Safety, Law and Order, and Justice are the fundamental concerns of the State

that the government should ensure in accordance to the principles of democracy, rule

of law, and respect for human rights. As the government aims to enhance its ability to

execute the said mandates, it is essential that all sectors are fully engaged in

meaningful partnership and collaboration with the government in building a safer and

peaceful society. This is called participatory governance.

2. Socio-Political Stability involves engagement in nation-building under the rule of law,

constitutional democracy, and full respect for human rights in order to achieve peace

and harmony among all Filipinos.

3. Economic Solidarity and Sustainable Development pertains to building a strong and

capable economy to support and sustain human livelihood and national endeavors.

This can be achieved through "reducing poverty and income gaps, creating equal

economic opportunities for all, and distributing the fruits of development to the

broadest segments of society" (National Security Council, 2017, p. 6).

4. Territorial Integrity involves ensuring the permanent inviolability of our national territory

under the effective control of the government. This includes the protection and

preservation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country (i.e., all land, marine

and sub-marine features and resources within its territory) against invasion, illegal

incursions, and resource exploitations.

5. Ecological Balance will be achieved through effective conservation of natural

resources and protection of the environment in the face of industrial and agricultural

expansion and population growth.

6. Cultural Cohesiveness refers to how people must be ruled by a common set of values

and beliefs, grounded on high moral and ethical standards, and embodying our Filipino

heritage, standard, and identity, while transcending religious, ethnic, and linguistic

differences.

7. Moral and Spiritual Consensus pertains to being propelled by a national vision inspired

by patriotism, national pride, and the advancement of national goals and objectives.

This element should manifest in our words and deeds.

8. International Peace and Cooperation is also an interest of the State, as the country is

committed to the promotion of global peace, development, and humanitarianism. The

security of the State is enhanced through friendship and cooperation with all nations,

and partnership with countries and strategic partners which we share similar goals."

National security is not only about defending the territory. Based on the eight

national security interests, which do you think should the government give

more attention to amidst the current situation of the country?

3. As a citizen of this country and a member of the youth sector, discuss how you

can help in addressing the concerns on national security that you mentioned

in question number 1.

4. "Red-tagging" is the act of accusing people or groups, which are critical of the

government, as being members of terrorist or communist groups, although not

(yet) proven to be true.

a. Does this action threaten human security? Explain your answer. You may

also cite examples or instances reported in the news.

b. How can this issue be a concern of national security?