The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), held the 9th Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSGR) Workshop on 12-13 October 2023 at the NDCP Honor Hall.

With the theme, “SSGR, Internal Security, and the Shift to Territorial Defense: Focus on AFP-PNP Relations and Transitions,” this year’s workshop sought to understand the factors that influence relations between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Furthermore, the workshop aimed to explore ways ahead as the country begins shifting the military’s focus on territorial defense and its law enforcement agency on internal security.

In his closing speech, Lieutenant General Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF (Ret), NDCP President, hoped that through the learnings and experiences in this workshop, there will be a future in which the AFP and PNP operate in a manner consistent with their democratic principles while upholding our national security.

Among the speakers in this 2-day blended workshop were Dr Albrecht Schnabel, Head of the Asia-Pacific Unit of the DCAF Geneva Centre for Security Sector, Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya of the National Security Council, Dr. Mario J Aguja of the Mindanao State University, Prof Jennifer Oreta of Ateneo de Manila University, Director General Ricardo F De Leon of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Police Colonel Raniel Valones of the PNP Public Safety Division, and Brigadier General Rommel Cordova PA of the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans.