Marcos supports AFP's adaptation of new tactics vs. cybersecurity issues

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. expressed support on Thursday for the Armed Forces of the Philippines' bid to adapt new measures for combating cybersecurity issues. 

The Presidential Communications Office said the Philippine military got a morale boost from Marcos ''as he lauded its men and women for their gallantry in fighting the local insurgency and defending the national territory.''

''He vowed to continue supporting the AFP, especially in its bid to adapt to new tactics against cybersecurity, which have become crucial in protecting Filipinos from external and internal threats,'' the PCO said. 

Marcos made the commitment during the AFP's mid-year Command Conference in Camp Aguinaldo. 

In January, the AFP said it had assigned a unit to focus on combating cyberattacks and misinformation. 

The military said that boosting the country’s cyber defense would be among the responsibilities of its Civil Relations Service and the AFP Cyber Security Group.

Several government agencies have fallen victim to cyber attacks, while hackers have also defaced some state-run websites.

The conference, led by AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., included top military officers from the General Headquarters, AFP-wide Support and Separate Units, Major Services, and Unified Commands, as well as commanders from the army, air force, and naval units.

During the conference, ground commanders presented updates on their respective operations and their assessments of internal and external security threats. 

Further, a briefing on Exercise Balikatan 39-2024 was also presented to the President. --VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News