PASL Center

22/08/2026

THE DIGITAL BATTLEFIELD BEGINS AT HOME
by VADM Joseph Coyme PCG (Ret.), Ph.D. | Aug 22, 2026

Protecting Our Children from Online Gaming-Related Violence, Exploitation and Radicalization

“Protect the player. Protect the child. Protect the community. Protect the nation.”

I was fortunate to meet Mr. Angel Redoble, a respected cybersecurity expert, during an informal gathering with fellow members of PMA Class of 1994. Our conversation gave me a deeper understanding of an emerging threat that deserves the attention of every parent, educator, community leader and government official: the exploitation of online gaming and digital communities to reach, groom, manipulate and potentially radicalize vulnerable young people.

His insights became particularly relevant following recent tragic incidents involving young people and violence in the Philippines. However, we must be careful not to conclude that online gaming caused any particular tragedy. The circumstances, motives and contributing factors surrounding such incidents must be established through proper investigation.

The more important question is whether online environments can be exploited by individuals or networks seeking to influence vulnerable children.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/the-digital-battlefield-begins-at-home/

03/08/2026

Manila Bay Must Remain Safe: Why Stopping Sea Robbery is a National Imperative;

Protecting International Shipping, Strengthening Maritime Security, and Safeguarding the Philippines' Global Reputation

By: VADM Joseph M. Coyme, PCG (Ret.), Ph.D.
Co-Author: Vadm Robert N Patrimonio PCG (Ret.), Ph.D.
03 August 2026

For centuries, Manila Bay has been the Philippines' principal maritime gateway to the world. Every day, hundreds of international merchant vessels carrying fuel, food, raw materials, manufactured goods, and other essential commodities transit or anchor within its waters. The uninterrupted movement of these ships is not merely a matter of commerce—it is vital to national economic security, regional supply chains, and international trade.

Recent reports, however, have raised serious concerns within the global maritime community. Between 1 January and 30 July 2026, the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)-Manila and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre documented 43 reported robbery and attempted robbery incidents involving vessels anchored in Manila Bay. While most incidents involved theft of ship's stores and equipment rather than violence against crews, the frequency and recurring nature of these crimes should concern every Filipino.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/manila-bay-must-remain-safe-why-stopping-sea-robbery-is-a-national-imperative-protecting-international-shipping-strengthening-maritime-security-and-safeguarding-the-philippines-global-reputation/

19/07/2026

Transparency Is Not Propaganda: Why the Philippines Must Continue Telling the Truth in the West Philippine Sea
by VADM Joseph Coyme PCG (Ret.), Ph.D.

The recent public statements of Senator Robin Padilla, suggesting that the Philippine government’s transparency campaign in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has evolved into “wartime propaganda” and attributing its escalation to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, have sparked a national conversation that extends beyond personalities. At its core, the issue is whether the Philippines should openly communicate the realities occurring within its maritime domain or remain silent in the face of persistent coercive actions. This is not merely a communications issue—it is a matter of national policy, sovereign rights, and strategic governance.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/transparency-is-not-propaganda-why-the-philippines-must-continue-telling-the-truth-in-the-west-philippine-sea/

17/07/2026

PASLCI Chairman Vice Admiral Joseph M. Coyme, PCG (Ret.), PhD, together with former Senator and Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, principal author of Republic Act No. 12065, discussed the national importance of the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes (PASL) and their vital role in strengthening maritime governance and safeguarding the country’s archipelagic integrity. During the engagement, Secretary Tolentino also presented his book, Badge of Honor, to Admiral Coyme as a gesture of appreciation and shared commitment to advancing maritime policy.

17/07/2026

PASLCI Chairman Vice Admiral Joseph M. Coyme, PCG (Ret.), PhD, held a productive meeting with Assistant Secretary Villamor Ventura S. Plan of the Department of Transportation–Maritime Affairs to emphasize the critical importance of fully implementing Republic Act No. 12065, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (PASL).

14/07/2026

Retirement Was Never the Finish Line
A Second Calling in Service to God, Country, and the Filipino People by VADM Joseph Coyme PCG (Ret.), Ph.D.

There is a saying that retirement is the reward for a lifetime of hard work. For many, it is a season to slow down—to enjoy leisurely mornings, travel with family, play more golf, and finally live life without the pressures of deadlines and responsibilities.

After more than thirty-five years of combined active service in the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, I thought my story would follow that familiar script.

I was wrong.

One year into retirement, I can only look back with profound gratitude to our Almighty Lord. Every blessing, every opportunity, every challenge, and every unexpected turn has reminded me that God’s plans are always far greater than our own. What I thought was the closing chapter of my professional life turned out to be the opening chapter of an even greater mission.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/retirement-was-never-the-finish-line/

14/07/2026

13/07/2026

The Philippines is, by nature and geography, a maritime and archipelagic nation. Yet centuries of colonial rule shifted our national consciousness from being a sea-bound people to one that is largely land-centric. As a result, we have neglected our vast maritime domain—the true frontier of our nation’s wealth, security, and future.

This neglect has emboldened other countries, most notably China, to assert expansive claims over parts of our West Philippine Sea. Had we consistently embraced our maritime identity, we would have been better positioned to protect and develop our seas and safeguard our sovereignty and sovereign rights.

It is high time that we redirect our national focus toward our maritime domain. One powerful and symbolic step would be to appoint the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from the ranks of our highly capable naval officers. Such an appointment would reflect the strategic realities of our archipelagic nation and underscore the importance of strengthening maritime security, protecting our territorial waters, and advancing our national interests at sea.

In this fast changing world, the future of the Philippines will be shaped not only by how we defend our land, but more importantly by how we embrace, protect, and harness the immense potential of our seas. Hence, it is imperative to choose a military leader honed and trained in the maritime arena and has the full understanding on the vast seas connects the world and how to fortify it.

11/07/2026

Debunking the “Natural Geographic Extension” Argument
by USec Art Valdez (Ret) and Co-Author: VADM Joseph M Coyme PCG (Ret), Ph.D.

Anyone can advance imaginative theories that a distant island is merely a “natural geographic extension” of another territory. However, such arguments collapse under both logic and international law.

The argument is made stronger by distinguishing physical geography from sovereignty. These are two entirely different concepts that should never be conflated. China—or any other state—cannot derive sovereignty from the mere fact that an island lies on the same geological shelf or appears to be a natural extension of another landmass. International law has consistently rejected such reasoning.

If geographical continuity alone were the basis for sovereignty, the implications would be absurd.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/debunking-the-natural-geographic-extension-argument/

11/07/2026

Geography Does Not Determine Sovereignty
by USec Art Valdez (Ret) and Co-Author: VADM Joseph M Coyme PCG (Ret), Ph.D.

Geography Does Not Determine Sovereignty
One of the central arguments advanced during the symposium is that Batanes is a “natural geographic extension” of Taiwan and therefore should belong to China.

This argument is fundamentally flawed.Anyone can advance imaginative theories that a distant island is merely a “natural geographic extension” of another territory. However, such arguments collapse under both logic and international law.

READ MORE: https://paslci.org/article/geography-does-not-determine-sovereignty/