WPS and INDSR Forge Strategic Partnership

Article by James Salazar

Published on March 14, 2026 12:24PM

In Cebu, the We Protect Our Seas (WPS) Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), marking a key step in regional security collaboration. The agreement, announced on March 10, 2026, focuses on joint research and dialogues. ¹

Partnership Details

The MOU guides cooperation on maritime security, countering cognitive warfare such as malign influence operations, and broader regional issues. It was signed by Jeffrey Ordaniel, President and CEO of WPS, highlighting Philippines-Taiwan ties amid Indo-Pacific tensions. This builds on WPS's efforts in West Philippine Sea advocacy, where Ordaniel leads initiatives like the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea. ²

About the Organizations

WPS, or We Protect Our Seas, is a Philippine organization coordinating efforts to safeguard maritime interests, with Ordaniel as a prominent figure in security discussions. INDSR, based in Taipei, is Taiwan's top think tank for strategic studies, operating independently under government and legislative oversight to promote defense and security interests. It advances Taiwan's democracy through global partnerships.

Strategic Implications

This collaboration addresses pressing challenges like cognitive warfare, where disinformation targets allies in the Indo-Pacific. By partnering, WPS and INDSR aim to enhance resilience against influence operations and bolster maritime dialogues. The timing aligns with heightened regional focus on South China Sea stability. ³

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Notes:

¹ Ordaniel, Jeffrey. “In Cebu— Signed an MOU with Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR). The MOU will guide the...” LinkedIn, March 11, 2026. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffrey-ordaniel-b40703184_in-cebu-signed-an-mou-with-taiwans-institute-activity-7437327042544693248-Gx4v/.

​² Ordaniel, Jeffrey. “DFA Chief’s South China Sea Approach Risks Normalizing Beijing’s Coercion.” Inquirer.Net, February 8, 2026. https://www.inquirer.net/467038/dfa-chiefs-south-china-sea-approach-risks-normalizing-beijings-coercion/.

³ Jordan, and Jon Reisher. “Cognitive Warfare and the Indo-Pacific.” Irregular Warfare Initiative, January 12, 2026. https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/cognitive-warfare-and-the-indo-pacific/.