Analysis Of The Implementation Of The ASEAN Political Security Community Framework In The Philippines In Counter Terrorism Efforts

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the Philippines' failure in tackling terrorism based on the ASEAN
Political-Security Community (APSC) Blueprint mechanism. This research uses a descriptive-qualitative
approach to describe facts, characteristics of subjects and objects precisely, also uses data collection
techniques through literature review by collecting secondary data. The results show that although the
Philippines has ratified the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism (ACCT) in 2010, it still relies on a
militaristic approach in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf group in Mindanao, which is contrary to the APSC
framework that emphasizes a comprehensive security approach. Moreover, based on adherence theory and
constructivism paradigm, the Philippines shows its identity incompatibility with the ASEAN framework, as its
priority on counterterrorism relies on a militaristic rather than comprehensive approach. Therefore, the case
indicates ASEAN's ineffectiveness in ensuring the level of adherence of member states to implement the agreed regional counter-terrorism mechanism.
Keywords — Adherence theory, APSC, Terrorism, the Philippines