DND pushes AI, cyber defense shift in talks with US
Published May 23, 2026 09:01 am
At A Glance
- The Department of National Defense (DND) and officials from the United States discussed expanding cooperation on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense modernization during a meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on May 22, 2026.
(L-R) Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian M. Pedregosa meets with William Guidera, acting assistant secretary for industry and analysis of the US Department of Commerce, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on May 22, 2026 to discuss cybersecurity, AI, trusted technologies, and defense modernization. (Photo: DND)
The Department of National Defense (DND) has advanced its strategies to expand the country’s cyber defense and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities during a recent meeting with United States officials.
DND Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity Fabian M. Pedregosa met with William Guidera, acting assistant secretary for industry and analysis of the US Department of Commerce, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, May 22, to discuss cybersecurity, AI, trusted technologies, and defense modernization.
Pedregosa cited ongoing reforms within the defense sector, including the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the creation of the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity.
The DND said these initiatives aimed to strengthen cyber resilience and develop “AI-enabled capabilities for cybersecurity response, threat intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and decision-making.”
The Marcos administration has been ramping up defense modernization efforts and deepening security ties with Washington in response to rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and increasing cyber threats targeting government systems and critical infrastructure.
In recent years, several agencies have reported attempts to breach government networks while security officials have also warned that disinformation campaigns and cyber intrusions could undermine national security and public trust.
As such, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation on “trusted technology ecosystems, AI adoption, digital transformation initiatives, and secure digital infrastructure,” according to the DND.
The talks also covered efforts to modernize the military’s C4ISTAR capabilities, or systems involving command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
The DND has long identified weak digital infrastructure and fragmented cyber capabilities as major gaps in the country’s security posture. It said stronger cyber defenses have become critical as military operations, state services, and economic systems rely more heavily on digital networks.
The U.S. delegation, for its part, presented Washington’s priorities on trusted AI partnerships and technology cooperation. It also “reaffirmed the importance of the Philippines–United States alliance in advancing secure and resilient technology ecosystems,” the DND said.
Manila and Washington have expanded defense engagements under existing agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Both governments have also increased coordination in areas involving cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
The DND said the meeting also explored opportunities for technology capability-building, workforce development, and greater industry engagement with US government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
Both parties ended the talks by reaffirming their commitment to “advancing secure, resilient, and future-ready technology ecosystems in support of national security and modernization efforts.”