Military, defense scholars crucial in fight vs fake news, says senator

MANILA, Philippines – Military officials and defense scholars could not be more crucial in the Philippines’ defense against growing cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns on the West Philippine Sea. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stressed this point as he addressed newly promoted general and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in an event hosted by the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. (NDCPAAI). 

For Estrada, who currently chairs the Senate National Defense Committee, the Philippines is concerned not only with the recent aggressive maritime confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, but also “equally distressing concerns” such as cybersecurity threats. 

“Other equally distressing concerns persist. These include cybersecurity threats, which expose the country to cyber-attacks that can disrupt critical services and compromise sensitive data,” Estrada said in his speech. 

Estrada cited an executive policy brief by NDCP Defense Research Officer II Christine Lisette Castillo, which stated that pursuit of sovereign rights requires “all instruments of national power, including cyber capabilities.” 

“In her paper, Castillo said ‘the growing tension between the Philippines and China is reflected in cyberspace, where cyber espionage, cyber attacks, and malign information operations are widespread,’” said Estrada. 

“‘Certainly, cybersecurity has long been a part of national security, and its importance in relation to the West Philippine Sea has been established.’ I couldn’t agree more,” added the lawmaker. 

With this, Estrada lauded the NDCP for playing “a pivotal role in the training of leaders responsible for safeguarding our nation’s security.” 

“The National Defense College of the Philippines greatly contributes to national defense and security not only through its education and research initiatives, but also through active policy advocacy and collaboration with diverse stakeholders,” Estrada said. 

Present during the NDCPAAI event were newly promoted general and flag officers of all branches of the AFP, particularly the Philippine Army (PA), the Philippine Navy (PN), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).