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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP, Canada train 'cyber defenders' amid emerging digital threats

AFP, Canada train 'cyber defenders' amid emerging digital threats

Published Jan 20, 2026 03:53 pm
Lt. Col. Jason King, Canadian defense attaché to the Philippines, delivers remarks during the Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on January 19, 2026.⁩ (Photo: Philippine Army)
Lt. Col. Jason King, Canadian defense attaché to the Philippines, delivers remarks during the Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) at the Philippine Army Officers' Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on January 19, 2026.⁩ (Photo: Philippine Army)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) teamed up to train military “cyber defenders” as digital threats increasingly affect modern warfare.
The training is part of the five-day Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MSOC) being held from Jan. 19 to 23 at the Luna Hall of the Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson, said a total of 50 military personnel from different major service branches are participating in the course, including 14 slots allocated to the Army.
“The week-long specialized training program aims to equip military personnel with essential knowledge and skills for operating in the modern cyber environment,” he said.
The course is designed for personnel newly assigned to cyber-related posts including those providing direct support to cyber operations.
Participants are being trained to understand the cyber environment and the program covers how cyber considerations are applied in operational and military contexts.
It further focuses on supporting the execution of cyber activities.
The PA said the collaborative course underscored the PA’s commitment to human capital development and its strategic shift towards enhancing its cyber operations in support of external security operations.
“The Army recognizes that effective defense of the cyber domain requires the constant training of personnel with the vital cyber skill set,” Dema-ala stressed.
Thousands of cyberattacks are being thwarted every day by the military.
Last year, a report from United States-based Bloomberg News said that Chinese-state sponsored hackers allegedly infiltrated the Office of the President’s (OP) computer systems where sensitive data were stolen, including documents related to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial row between Manila and Beijing.
The AFP said it has fortified not only its cyber defenses but other government agencies as well to prevent system hacking and other cyberattacks.

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Philippine Army AFP Canadian Armed Forces cyber defense training cybersecurity
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