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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH strengthens cyber defense ties with Canada, Japan vs rising misinformation

PH strengthens cyber defense ties with Canada, Japan vs rising misinformation

Published Feb 20, 2026 01:57 pm
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The Philippines is strengthening its cyber defense partnerships with Canada and Japan as the administration ramps up efforts to combat rising misinformation and evolving digital threats.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the move is in line with President Marcos’ directive to intensify the fight against cyberattacks and protect Filipinos from online harm.
“Ayon din po sa kautusan ng Pangulo, kailangan po talaga nating labanan itong mga cyber attacks na ito (Under the President’s directive, we really need to fight these cyber attacks),” Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Friday, Feb. 20.
According to the Palace Press Officer, the cyber defense partnership with Canada and Japan aims to deepen collaboration, particularly as Canada has extensive expertise in cyber defense mechanisms.
She added that the partnership is planned to become an annual initiative to ensure sustained coordination and information-sharing.

Focus on evolving cyber threats

Castro said the government will focus on key cybersecurity risks, including state-sponsored attacks and espionage, foreign interference and misinformation, ransomware and data breaches, critical infrastructure protection, and gaps in talent and infrastructure.
“Evolving po kasi iyong mga cyber threats (Cyber threats are evolving),” she said.
“So kaya dapat patuloy na nagbibigayan, nagpapalitan ng kaalaman para po mas maproteksyonan ang bansa sa mga cyber attacks na katulad nito (That is why we must continuously share knowledge and exchange information to better protect the country from cyber attacks like these),” she added.

Misinformation as growing concern

Castro noted that misinformation, in particular, has worsened and continues to victimize innocent Filipinos.
“Kailangan po kasi medyo lumalala po lalung-lalo na ang misinformation, nagagamit po ito at nagiging biktima ang ating mga inosenteng kababayan (It is necessary because misinformation is getting worse; it is being used and our innocent countrymen are becoming victims),” she said.
She emphasized that addressing these threats remains a priority of the administration as it works to strengthen the country’s national cybersecurity posture through international cooperation and intelligence exchange.

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PH-Canada PH-Japan Claire Castro misinformation cybersecurity
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