AFP cyber chief warns of rising threats linked to West PH Sea
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military’s cyber chief warned on Thursday of escalating cyber threats against the country, many linked to tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command Brig. Gen. Joey Fontiveros said the country’s cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is marked by persistent and increasingly sophisticated attacks, particularly from state-sponsored actors.
Speaking at a forum hosted by Stratbase ADR Institute, Fontiveros said China-based malicious actors have carried out malware intrusions, distributed denial-of-service attacks, data leaks, and website compromises amid the ongoing territorial dispute.
READ: PH Navy monitors 48 Chinese vessels across West PH Sea features
He added that misinformation and disinformation campaigns, along with general cyber insecurity, now rank among the country’s top short- and long-term risks.
High-risk sectors include public administration, education, and finance and insurance, he said.
According to Fontiveros, law enforcement agencies have recorded a 37 percent increase in online crimes and a 200 percent rise in phishing incidents. Ransomware, phishing operations, and unauthorized access sales on the dark web remain common threats.
Moreover, he emphasized that the AFP views cybersecurity as integral to national defense, given its reliance on information systems to protect territorial integrity and economic stability.
The AFP has detected foreign attempts to access intelligence data, though no major breaches have been confirmed.
Fontiveros recalled that the military established the Cyber Command in 2024 and activated the Intelligence Command in 2025 to integrate cyber and intelligence operations.
Cyber scenarios, he said, have also been incorporated into joint exercises such as Balikatan.
‘Asymmetric warfare’
On a strategic level, commander of the Philippine Army Training Command Maj. Gen. Michael Logico said the Philippines has developed strategies to confront cyber and hybrid threats even against larger powers.
He said the country continues to strengthen its capabilities and leverages all instruments of national power to defend itself in what he described as “assymetric warfare.”
“When we say asymmetric, that means the players are unequal,” said the commander. “Think about it this way, you have a heavyweight boxer fighting against a flyweight.”
Fontiveros said government responses include the National Cybersecurity Plan, which focuses on advanced threat assessment, capacity building, and closing skills gaps.
He added that the Philippines actively collaborates with allies through treaties and dialogues for shared intelligence, training, and technology transfer.
READ: WPS spokesperson clarifies: AFP has never left Panatag
Stratbase president and political analyst Dindo Manhit likewise highlighted the growing impact of cyber operations and digital influence on national security.
He said social media and online platforms can quietly shape public opinion, often in ways that are difficult to detect.
Manhit added that cyber threats also extend to strategic areas such as the West Philippine Sea, affecting public awareness and the resilience of government systems. /mr
