NSTP COMMON MODULE 5:

OTHER NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS

Objectives:

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Define national security;

2. State the purposes of national security;
3. Enumerate and explain the different internal and external threats; and
4. Understand and do your role in nation-building.

What is national National security is defined as the state or condition wherein the
security? nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity; the people's well-being,
core values, and way of life; and the State and its institutions, are
protected and enhanced.

National security is a state or condition where our most cherished

values and beliefs; our democratic way of life; our institutions of
governance; and our unity, welfare and well-being as a nation and
people are permanently protected and continuously enhanced.
What are the threats to Maintaining national security is vital for the stability of the nation.
national security? Threats to national security can lead to economic downturns,
government instability, frauds, public insecurity, cyber-crimes, and
foreign threats such as terrorism, as some examples.

Threats to internal security may be directed at either the state's

citizens, or the organs and infrastructure of the state itself, and may
range from petty crime, serious organized crime, political or industrial
unrest, or even domestic terrorism.

INTERNAL THREATS

Our national security environment is infused with 4 important

dimensions. Internal threats to our national security make up the first
dimension.

1. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is in constructive peace

negotiation, the armed activities of the group continue to be a
source of serious concern, particularly to build up its defensive
and offensive capabilities. Hand in hand with this security
problem is the threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a small
band of highly mobile terrorists with suspected links to
international networks.
2. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/ New People’s
Army (NPA)/ National Democratic Front (NDF) – continuous ton
pause a serious threat to national security, although presently
weakened in comparison with their peak strength in 1985 – 1987.
3. Organized crime – is a national security concern. The challenge
 of illegal drugs in particular, has grown into a major threat to the
national community.
4. Grave incidence of poverty – is also a serious threat to national
security, especially to the extent that it breeds rebellion, crime
and dissidence. Poverty incidence affects about 1/3 of Filipinos
nationwide.
5. Economic sabotage – undermines the market economy, the
financial system, and the nation’s resources. Under this category
are underground activities such as counterfeiting, money
laundering, large scale smuggling, inter-oceanic poaching, and
commercial dumping.
6. Graft and corruption – has become another threat to our national
security by virtue of the huge scale by which it saps public
resources, undermines the morale of the civil service, and affects
the delivery of quality basic services.
7. Severe calamities – causes serious food shortages, abet
hoarding and profiteering tool that stands at more than 13,000
lives lost and P179 Billion worth of property destroyed.
8. Persistent environment degradation – poses a long term security
threat. The attrition of forests and watersheds, air-land-water
pollution, and proliferation of toxic substances are a cause of
sickness, death and diminution of national productivity and well-
being.

EXTERNAL THREATS

Some national security threats come from foreign governments with

hostile intentions. These threats may include direct acts of war and
aggression. But they can also be subtler and harder to detect. 

1. The multi-lateral dispute over the Spratly Island is a source of

intermittent tensions, owing to the build-up structures, believed
to be military oriented, by some claimant countries in the area.
2. The smuggling of firearms and contraband, illegal migration
and occasional movement of foregoing terrorists through the
porous borders of our southwestern frontier have elicited
transnational concern. Philippine law enforcement agencies
work closely with international police organizations, bilaterally
and multilaterally, to check these activities.
3. The lingering effects of the currency crisis affecting the
countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) are a cause of regional anxieties which tend to
aggravate the political instabilities and socio-economic
dislocations involving the poorest people.
4. The serious economic disparity between rich and poor nations
keeps the world in a state of instability and virtually on the
brink of war in many places.
5. Ethnic, religious, and cultural conflicts pervade many regions
and nations including our own. It is constantly exacerbated by
mass poverty, limited access to resources, denial of human
rights, lack of national integration and international issues.
How do we maintain Measures taken to ensure national security include:
national security? 1. Using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats.
2. Marshalling economic power to facilitate or compel cooperation.
3. Maintaining effective armed forces.
4. Implementing civil defense and emergency preparedness
measures (including anti-terrorism legislation)
Who is responsible for The Philippine Constitution divides responsibility for national security
national security? among the branches of government. This system, known as the
separation of powers, reflects the intent of the Constitution’s framers
that no single branch becomes too powerful.
How did the The Constitution strengthened the national government by giving the
Constitution strengthen national government specific powers. The Constitution also created
national security? the executive and judicial branches of government. The president
would serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and he
would have veto power over laws passed by Congress.
What is the sole Only the government can regulate interstate and foreign commerce,
responsibility of the declare war and set taxing, spending and other national policies.
National Government? These actions often start with legislation from Congress, and the
Senate.
Which part of the The Department of National Defense is the most responsible part of
Government is most the Government. It discusses the Philippine’s defenses and the
important in keeping actions that Congress and the President must take in order to
the nation safe against adequately protect our country against the ongoing dangers that it
other countries? faces.
What role do laws play Laws protect our general safety, and ensure our rights as citizens
in keeping the country against abuses by other people, by organizations, and by the
safe? government itself. We have laws to help provide our general safety.
What protects the The Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every
citizens from an government on earth, general or particular, and what no just
abusive government? government should refuse.
What is considered Abuse of power or abuse of authority, in the form of “malfeasance in
abuse of power? office” or “official misconduct”, is the commission of an unlawful act,
done in an official capacity, which affects the performance of official
duties.

Fundamental Elements:

There are 7 fundamental elements that lie at the core which therefore, further amplify our
definition of national security. At the same time, they constitute the most important challenges
we face as a nation and people.

1. Ensuring public safety — providing for, and mitigating risks for the safety of citizens and
communities (all hazards and threats, whether natural or man-made);
2. Preserving sovereignty and territorial integrity — protecting the physical security of
citizens, and exercising control over territory consistent with national sovereignty;
3. Protecting lines of communication — these are both physical and virtual and allow our
country to communicate, trade and engage globally;
4. Strengthening international order to promote security — contributing to the development
of a rule-based international system, and engaging in targeted interventions offshore to
protect our country’s interests;
 5. Sustaining economic prosperity — maintaining and advancing the economic wellbeing of
individuals, families, businesses and communities;
6. Maintaining democratic institutions and national values — preventing activities aimed at
undermining or overturning government institutions, principles and values that underpin
Philippine society;
7. Protecting the natural environment — contributing to the preservation and stewardship of
our country’s natural and physical environment.

ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATION BUILDING

The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are
the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with
the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people.

1. By recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation-building, inculcating in them the

patriotism and nationalism, encouraging their involvement in public and civic affairs,
the youth will surely be capacitated and empowered to participate and fruitfully engage
in discussions and activities on matters of great importance such as constitutional
reform.

2. Building Sustainable Peace and Progress through E.O.  70: Aside from being an
active member of society, the youth are also responsible in building sustainable peace.
They are key players in peace-building because of their adeptness in developing
personal integrity, discipline, and open mindedness. 

3. They can also play an active role in peace and conflict resolution by forming a new flock
of peace missionaries and non-government organization network in the grassroots,
concentrated on values education among children. 

4. The youth has the power to help a country develop and move towards progress. It also
is responsible for bringing social reform within a country. The youth of a country
determine the future of a nation.

5. The youth are expected to advance the current technology, education, and politics of the
country.

6. The youth have also to maintain the culture of our culture, all good values in the society,
development projects, etc.