Think tank warns of ‘unseen war’ influencing public opinion, information

MANILA, Philippines — A think tank has warned the public there is an “unseen war” that transcends beyond traditional military conflict, as it can influence the information landscape and shape public perception. 

Stratbase Institute president Victor Manhit issued this statement during a two-day cybersecurity conference in Manila on Thursday. Manhit then noted that “fake news” spreads beyond one single platform, as it infiltrates daily conversations and national decision-making. 

“It is no longer plainly measured by bullets, ships, or aircraft. It is measured by who controls the information space, who shapes the narratives being amplified, and who influences public perception,” Manhit said. 

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He then pointed out that an example of coordinated political operations are the “three warfares” doctrine of China, namely “psychological, legal, and public opinion warfare. He added that these are observed “through the aggressive amplification of pro-China narratives on the West Philippine Sea and the discrediting of Philippine institutions.”

He also warned that without long-term planning, the Philippines may be at risk of facing evolving geopolitical threats as he emphasized that foreign interference is now “deliberate, organized, and externally driven.”

Despite geopolitical tension, Manhit underscored the importance of upholding transparency and accountability as he shared that they welcomed the response of the Chinese Embassy to the two statements they released about China. 

“Because this is precisely what democratic resilience requires: open debate, transparency, accountability, and the defense of sovereign rights under international law,” Manhit noted. 

Aside from this, Manhit also noted that the election-related operations, such as campaigns, begin earlier than the filing of certificates of candidacy. 

“A campaign does not begin in the filing of certificates of candidacy. It begins now, in shaping the information environment and the cyber landscape,” Manhit said. /mr