PH Teams Up With Canada and Japan to Fight Cyberattacks and Online Misinformation
The Philippines is beefing up its cyber defenses through new partnerships with Canada and Japan, as the Marcos administration intensifies its fight against rising misinformation and evolving digital threats targeting Filipinos online.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro announced the initiative during a Palace press briefing on Friday, February 20. "Ayon din po sa kautusan ng Pangulo, kailangan po talaga nating labanan itong mga cyber attacks na ito," Castro said, emphasizing President Marcos' directive to protect Filipinos from online harm.
According to Castro, the partnership with Canada and Japan focuses on deepening collaboration, particularly leveraging Canada's extensive expertise in cyber defense mechanisms. The government plans to make the cyber defense partnership an annual initiative to ensure sustained coordination and intelligence-sharing between the three countries.
Key areas of focus include state-sponsored cyberattacks and espionage, foreign interference and misinformation, ransomware and data breaches, critical infrastructure protection, and addressing gaps in cybersecurity talent and infrastructure. Castro stressed that cyber threats are constantly evolving, making continuous knowledge-sharing essential.
Misinformation was singled out as a growing concern, with Castro noting it has worsened and continues to victimize innocent Filipinos. The administration considers strengthening the country's national cybersecurity posture through international cooperation a top priority as digital threats become more sophisticated and widespread.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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