The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed on alert all its cyber security operations ahead of 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos amid possibility of cyberattacks, online misinformation, and digital scams.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said policemen especially from the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) were already tasked to step up cyber patrols to detect misinformation, coordinated influence operations, phishing attacks, and online scams that may emerge during the event.
“Our primary concerns are cyberattacks against critical information infrastructure, the spread of misinformation and coordinated influence operations, and online scams that exploit public interest in the SONA,” said Nartatez.
“We are closely monitoring the cyber landscape and are prepared to respond to threats in coordination with our partner agencies,” he added.
Earlier, police issued a Cybersecurity Advisory identifying three priority areas for SONA 2026—protection of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), countering misinformation and influence operations, and preventing online scams and social engineering attacks.
The advisory aims to safeguard government digital systems, preserve the integrity of information, and protect the public from cyber threats before, during, and after the President's address, which will be held at the Batasang Pambansa on July 27.
“Cybersecurity is now as important as physical security during major national events. Protecting digital systems, ensuring the integrity of information, and safeguarding the public from online threats are essential to maintaining public order and confidence throughout the SONA,” said Nartatez.
The cyber security measures complement the PNP's overall security plan for the President's address, with more than 20,000 police personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office to be deployed to secure the venue, maintain peace and order, and ensure the safety of participants, motorists, and rallyists.