A defense and security research group warned of increased foreign interference through disinformation that are now shaping public perception and democratic processes.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit classified the issue as an “unseen war” in the digital domain that now threatens democracy and democratic processes in the country amid the start of election discussions in the country.

He emphasized that election-related influence operations begin long before campaign season.

“This is a war we cannot easily see. It is no longer plainly measured by bullets, ships, or aircraft. It is measured by who controls the information space, who shapes the narratives being amplified, and who influences public perception,” said Manhit during the launch of Navigating Digital Crossroads: Advancing Cybersecurity and Democratic Resilience in the Indo-Pacific held at the Manila Polo Club.

In the two-day cybersecurity conference, defense and security officials discussed escalating cyber threats, hybrid warfare, cyber espionage, and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) that include election-related disinformation.

The first day of discussions focused on assessing the cybersecurity landscape, hybrid warfare in the digital age, cybercrime, and cyber espionage.

The second day examined FIMI operations in the Philippines and regional collaboration to safeguard democratic processes ahead of the 2028 elections.

Citing Stratbase-commissioned Pulse Asia survey data, he noted that most Filipinos rely on social media and online platforms for news, while seven in ten express deep concern about misinformation.

“A campaign does not begin in the filing of certificates of candidacy. It begins now, in shaping the information environment and the cyber landscape. What starts as ‘fake news’ rarely stays confined to a single platform. It spreads across networks, enters daily conversations, and ultimately penetrates governance and national decision making,” said Manhit.

Manhit pointed to a foreign country’s “three warfares” doctrine — psychological, legal, and public opinion warfare — as an example of coordinated political and cognitive operations.

He stressed that foreign interference is now “deliberate, organized, and externally driven,” warning that without long-term planning, the Philippines risks entering the next decade unprepared for evolving geopolitical threats.

“Today’s discussion is not just about cybersecurity. It is about defending the integrity of our democracy,” he said.

“Foreign interference thrives in silence and fragmentation. Democratic resilience grows through cooperation, transparency, and collective vigilance,” he added.