Philippines cyber defense to get boost with new AFP body

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has tasked a unit to focus on combating cyber attacks and misinformation.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Chino Gaston, boosting the country’s cyber defense would be among the focus of the military’s Civil Relations Service and the newly organized AFP Cyber Security Group.

“Our task is to secure the people and the state, and also to include cyber domain,” said Colonel Francel Padilla, the new military spokesperson.

“The AFP is one of those quite targeted, and it will never stop. ….We are always fortifying our defenses,” she added.

Last year, several government agencies have fallen victim to cyber attacks.  Hackers have also defaced some state websites.

AFP chief general Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said there have been “many attempts” to hack even the AFP system.

"We experience this almost every day," he said "They're trying to penetrate our networks, but we are happy to note that so far, they are not successful," he had said.

He said the AFP is also eyeing to recruit “cyber warriors” who will man its cyber security unit.—LDF, GMA Integrated News