The Philippine Air Force (PAF) joined counterparts across the Pacific region in a virtual symposium to strengthen the global fight against disinformation and misinformation, which, if left unaddressed, could affect the national security of a country and, by ripple effect, the rest of the world.

Major General Aristotle Gonzalez, PAF vice commander, represented the Philippine delegation to the Pacific Air Chiefs Video Teleconference (PAC VTC) hosted by the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) led by its commander, General Kevin Schneider, last Feb. 6.

In a statement Monday, Feb. 10, the PAF said that the symposium “focused on understanding the impact of disinformation and misinformation on organizational operations and national security.”

Gonzalez shared with his international counterparts the PAF’s comprehensive strategies to help combat misinformation, the act of getting the facts wrong or inaccurate, and disinformation, the practice of intentionally misstating facts to mislead.

During the symposium, he highlighted the PAF’s initiatives in strengthening information operations and enhancing media relations and social media management.

The PAF’s second-in-command also emphasized the organization’s dedication to collaborating with international counterparts to share best practices and collectively bolster capabilities and technical skills in such critical areas.

In June last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) admitted to encountering an “alarming surge” in disinformation and misinformation campaigns aimed at eroding the public’s trust in the country’s institutions and the government.

“These efforts seek to sow panic, divide our nation, and distract us from pressing issues that demand our collective attention,” AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

The military leadership said disinformation and misinformation not only distort the truth but also undermine the public’s unity, making them vulnerable to external challenges that threaten national security and stability.

The AFP said it is crucial for every Filipino to remain vigilant and critical of the information they encounter online.

The PAC VTC is a quarterly conference hosted by the US Pacific Air Forces where Air Forces from the Pacific region discuss bilateral and multilateral defense, including security matters, to maintain regional stability from an air force perspective.