AFP bans mobile phones in sensitive military zones

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has banned electronic devices in sensitive military environments as part of enhanced security measures aimed at protecting itself and critical information.

The AFP announced yesterday that it is “implementing stringent device-free policy strategically designed to fortify the protection of classified information and critical infrastructure, ensuring robust defense against potential threats.”

The military said it is restricting the presence of electronic devices in sensitive environments, which “significantly reduces vulnerabilities to cyber espionage and unauthorized access.”

“The device-free policy not only safeguards classified information, but also ensures the operational integrity of critical military infrastructure,” the AFP said.

“The AFP is dedicated to enhancing its capabilities and measures to confront traditional and non-traditional security challenges effectively,” the military said.

The AFP has also called on the public to be vigilant against disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding the public’s trust in the country’s military institution and the government.

“These efforts seek to sow panic, divide our nation and distract us from pressing issues that demand our collective attention,” AFP chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said.

“In these trying times, it is crucial for every Filipino to remain vigilant and critical of the information they encounter and share,” he added.

The AFP statement is apparently in reaction to online and social media pages that have been monitored to share wrong information using old photographs or altered content to misinform the public on defense related issues. 

Brawner said disinformation “not only distorts the truth but also undermines our unity, making us vulnerable to external challenges that threaten our national security and stability.”

He said the AFP urges the public to verify sources and seek information from credible and official channels and stand together in the face of what he described as desperate attempts to spread discord.

GCash data breach

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is taking seriously the reports on GCash data breach, CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said yesterday.

As an initial step, CICC officials led by Ramos met yesterday with the executives of GCash, the largest mobile payments service, to shed light on the reported data breach.

Ramos, who met the GCash executives at the National Cybercrime hub in Bonifacio Global City, said he wants a transparent assessment of the reported data breach allegedly involving GCAsh.

“We take seriously the alleged data breach and have asked GCash to provide information on the veracity of the contents being published or reported,” Ramos said.

Ramos said GCash has reported that they are working round the clock to check the contents and committed to allow a deeper probe on the alleged attack.