PNP heightens cyber defenses for SONA

MANILA, Philippines — Wary of potential cyber threats, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday beefed up its security operations ahead of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to intensify cyber patrols to detect misinformation, coordinated influence operations, phishing attacks and digital scams that may exploit public interest.

“We are closely monitoring the cyber landscape and are prepared to respond to threats in coordination with our partner agencies,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The PNP earlier issued a cyber security advisory identifying three priority areas for the SONA: the protection of critical information infrastructure, countering misinformation and influence operations as well as thwarting online scams and social engineering attacks.

The PNP is securing government digital systems, integrity of information and the public from cyber threats before, during and after the SONA.

Austere SONA

President Marcos’ fifth SONA will not feature a celebrity director and performers as the Chief Executive wants his annual address to be “more austere” amid global challenges, including the Middle East conflict.

The SONA will be directed by Radio Television Malacañang, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chorale will sing the national anthem, Castro said.

“That has always been the plan.The President wants a simple SONA,” she said at a press briefing.

Previous SONAs have been associated with celebrities, red carpet and flashy gowns.

Unfulfilled promises

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said Marcos should account for the promises he made during his previous SONA.

In a statement, TDC chairman Benjo Basas said public school teachers have yet to receive the laptops Marcos had promised.

Basas added that the unfulfilled commitment of Marcos raised questions about the credibility of the government.

“The upcoming SONA is not just a time for new promises. It is also a time to measure what has been promised in the past and which ones have been fulfilled. If this simple promise of laptops for teachers remains just a promise, what about the bigger issues?” Basas asked.

INC anniversary

Meanwhile, the PNP will coordinate with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which will celebrate its 112th founding anniversary coinciding with Marcos’ SONA.

“We will talk to them regarding the venue of their activity. We will secure the event because there could be 100,000 attendees,” Nartatez said.

Thousands are expected to gather at the INC central temple along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City for the thanksgiving activity. — Helen Flores, Bella Cariaso