AFP stresses need for stronger cyber resilience in Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) highlighted the urgent need for improved cyber resilience to ensure national security. This message was shared by AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla at the GovX.0 Summit in Pasay City. She warned of increasing threats from foreign espionage and disinformation. Colonel Padilla stressed the importance of a unified approach to cybersecurity. She explained that it involves not just technology, but also people, policies, and partnerships. She noted that unauthorized foreign intelligence gathering has targeted critical areas such as military bases and power grids. Padilla also pointed out the rise in cybercrime linked to illegal offshore gaming operators in the Philippines. Furthermore, she addressed the digital security threats in the West Philippine Sea. This area is facing challenges from both physical territorial disputes and digital intelligence operations. Despite these threats, Padilla reassured Filipinos that they can feel secure in cyberspace. The AFP is working with various government agencies to strengthen the country's cybersecurity. "Our battle cry is clear: it's our seas, our rights, our future," she concluded.