SFA Manalo Called on Indo-Pacific States to Actively Shape Rules on Lethal Autonomous Weapons  

MAKATI 13 December 2023 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo today called on Indo-Pacific States to actively “shape the trajectory of international discourse” on lethal autonomous weapons.

Addressing participants of the Manila Meeting on the Indo-Pacific Perspectives on Autonomous Weapons Systems representing more than 30 countries, Secretary Manalo said that missing in the conversations of artificial intelligence and emerging tech are the “diverse and crucial voices of the Indo-Pacific region.”

“Our active participation in the development of global norms enriches the rules-based international order, and ensures that it remains informed by the principles of equity and justice,” Secretary Manalo said.

President Ferdinand Marcos’ called on the international community last year at the UN General Assembly to develop governance structures to prevent the weaponization of emerging technologies.

Secretary Manalo highlighted that the most apparent risk arises from the development of “machines that can operate without meaningful human control, run by algorithms that are empowered to undertake decisions involving human life or death.”

He noted that not only would such a weapon system be incompatible with the principles of international humanitarian law, it would also cross serious ethical lines.

“As a country dedicated to the cause of peace and committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical and humanitarian principles, the Philippines supports the development of ethical rules for the responsible use of such technologies through a coherent and effective global governance structure, building on existing international treaties and the work of the United Nations,” Secretary Manalo added.

The Manila Meeting will consider the implications of the use of autonomy in weapons systems from ethical, moral, economic, social, and humanitarian dimensions from the point of view of the Indo-Pacific Region. The meeting offers an expanded platform for voices from civil society, industry, international law, as well as peace and security. This is organized in cooperation with the Department of National Defense and international NGO Nonviolence International Southeast Asia (NiSEA). END