The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has warned that recent online disinformation may be tied to foreign actors and is intensifying monitoring of social media platforms amid heightened political tensions. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla highlighted the potential involvement of both domestic and foreign entities in the spread of false information.
Padilla emphasized that addressing cyber threats is a collaborative effort, involving the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other law enforcement agencies. The rise of malicious information on social media reflects significant challenges.
National Security Council cybersecurity chief MGen. Cornelio Valencia Jr. noted that current destabilization rumors seem politically motivated and do not pose a national security threat. Although persistent cyber threats exist, attributing them to specific actors remains challenging.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated that the agency actively tracks fake news and deepfakes while respecting freedom of expression, coordinating with platforms to address harmful content.
Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit underscored that cybersecurity is integral to national security and is a shared responsibility among government, private sector, and international partners. Padilla assured that any emerging threats will be promptly addressed by the AFP.
