Philippines fortifies cyber defense, partnering with Japan, U.S. and others

FORUM Staff
Across the Philippines’ Armed Forces, government agencies and civil society, organizations are strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities and resilience. The initiatives combine with multinational cooperation to ensure regional and global stability.
Since 2023, Manila has detected People’s Republic of China (PRC)-linked cyberattacks targeting the Philippine Coast Guard, the president’s office, and environmental and agriculture departments, Philippine media company ABS-CBN reported. However, recent reports of stolen government and military data relate to prior attacks, and PRC-sponsored hackers have not accessed current information, according to the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognizes cybersecurity’s role in defending the nation’s territory, economy and security, analysts say. The new AFP Cyber Command and AFP Intelligence Command highlight the military’s understanding of contemporary threats.
“Cyber is also being integrated into the AFP’s doctrines and plans,” Sherwin Ona, an international fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told the South China Morning Post newspaper. “So we will see a significant development in its cyber defense capabilities in the next two to three years.”
After recent hacking concerns, AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla said government agencies have been directed to fortify digital defenses.
“In terms of our cybersecurity efforts, as you’ve seen during our recently concluded command conference, our commander in chief emphasized the need to strengthen our cyber defenses and collaborate with other agencies,” Padilla said, according to the Manila Standard newspaper.
She cited the AFP’s cooperation with Allies and Partners and cybersecurity integration in multinational military exercises such as Balikatan, hosted annually by the Philippines and the United States.
Longtime allies Manila and Washington in 2023 signed guidelines to improve cyber defense and secure critical infrastructure, including by sharing information and bolstering capabilities.
Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. have developed a cyber defense network. Manila also joined the International Counter Ransomware Initiative with more than 60 other nations, including Australia, Canada, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the U.S., Vanuatu and Vietnam.
Such advancements “put the Philippines in a stronger position vis-à-vis China, enabling it to leverage its allies’ training, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in order to defend its territorial integrity,” wrote Julie Chernov Hwang, a researcher for U.S.-based foreign policy think tank The Soufan Center.
Experts say safeguarding cyberspace requires public and private sector action, as well as investments in the community.
In December 2024, the Asia Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a $300,000 project to help human rights organizations in the Philippines thwart cybersecurity threats such as phishing and the theft of personal information. The partners will offer training in risk management, security assessments and adopting cybersecurity protocols, according to USAID.
“Cyber resilience is not just about protecting data; it is about ensuring that democracy defenders can continue their vital work without fear of digital interference,” USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said. “This initiative reflects USAID’s commitment to fostering a safe and open digital space for civil society.”