Philippines, Denmark eyeing cooperation on IT, cyber defense

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday said the Philippines and Denmark are discussing cooperation on cyber defense and information technology to counter disinformation and address threats in both countries’ information ecosystems.

The development came after Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Oct. 24 met with Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Melbin, who paid a courtesy call following the collision between Chinese and Filipino vessels on Oct. 22.

On Sunday’s incident, Mellbin said the encounter undermined regional security and put “the lives of Filipino sailors at risk.”

Teodoro and other security officials have been calling on Filipinos to rally behind the Philippines against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea amid reports of local influencers echoing pro-China disinformation campaigns.

The reports have since triggered suspicions of a Chinese information operation in the Philippines.

Mellbin also invited the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard for a study visit in Copenhagen to exchange insights on the law of the sea and give input to Denmark’s naval, coastal and marine defenses, technologies and doctrines.

“Secretary Teodoro welcomed the invitation, stating that this is a good opportunity in light of current defense realities,” the DND said in a statement.