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In a significant move to counter growing security threats, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) hosted a three-day seminar focused on combating disinformation and foreign interference in Agusan del Sur province.
The session, held from January 27-29 at the Provincial Learning Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, brought together barangay officials, local government representatives, and various government agency personnel to address evolving national security concerns that go beyond traditional threats.
NICA Caraga Regional Director Bonifacio Pulgo emphasized the changing landscape of security threats facing the Philippines. “We explained to our officers that our country faces threats beyond our traditional enemy, the New People’s Army (NPA)—including foreign indifference and malign influence,” Pulgo told participants.
The seminar specifically targeted Foreign Interference and Malign Influence (FIMI), highlighting how modern security challenges have shifted from conventional warfare to information warfare. “Before, war occurred in the forests with bullets. Now, the security landscape has shifted: the battle is in the cognitive domain, or in our mind, also known as cognitive warfare,” Director Pulgo explained.
This evolution in security threats has fundamentally changed how officials must approach defense strategies. “Today’s weapons are not guns and bullets, but cellphones, radio, and social media used to turn people’s minds against the government,” Pulgo added, underscoring the dangers of digital platforms being weaponized to create social division.
The initiative aims to equip local officials—who serve as frontline defenders of peace and order—with enhanced knowledge and preparedness against foreign interference. A key component of the program involves strengthening coordination between Local Government Units (LGUs), barangays, and National Government Agencies (NGAs). Officials received guidance on monitoring and reporting activities that might signal potential security breaches in their communities.
According to Pulgo, the seminar serves a crucial purpose in today’s complex geopolitical environment. “We’re holding this to engage our local officials and help the government combat illegal activities orchestrated by foreigners—not for the Philippines’ good, but for their own agendas,” he stated.
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. addressed attendees, stressing the importance of vigilance and cooperation among local officials. “Your presence here is vital to safeguarding peace and order in our barangays, cities, municipalities, province, region, and country,” Governor Cane told the participants.
The seminar forms part of a broader initiative called Defending Against Foreign Interference and Malign Influence Agusan del Sur (DEFEND ADS), which aims to unite community and government efforts to bolster peace, order, and security throughout the province.
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant for Agusan del Sur, a province in Mindanao that has historically dealt with insurgency issues. As digital misinformation becomes a global concern, rural and developing regions like Agusan del Sur face unique vulnerabilities due to sometimes limited access to verified information sources and digital literacy challenges.
Experts note that the Philippines, like many developing nations, has become increasingly targeted by sophisticated disinformation campaigns from both domestic and foreign actors. The spread of false information through social media platforms can exacerbate existing social divisions, undermine trust in institutions, and potentially destabilize communities.
The DILG-NICA joint seminar represents an important step in recognizing that modern security frameworks must extend beyond physical threats to address the cognitive and information battlespace that increasingly defines national security in the digital age.
Local officials are expected to implement new monitoring protocols and awareness campaigns following the training, with additional support likely from national agencies as the DEFEND ADS initiative develops further across the province.
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18 Comments
Interesting to see the government taking steps to counter disinformation and foreign interference. Security threats have certainly evolved beyond just traditional military challenges. It’s critical for local officials to be informed and prepared to handle these complex modern issues.
Agreed, the shift to information warfare requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening security and anti-disinformation initiatives at the local level is a smart move.
It’s good to see the government taking proactive steps to address these national security concerns, especially at the local level. Disinformation and foreign influence can have serious consequences for communities.
Strengthening security and anti-disinformation efforts in regions like Agusan del Sur is a prudent move. Local officials play a key role in identifying and responding to these complex modern threats.
It’s encouraging to see the government taking proactive steps to address these national security challenges at the local level. Disinformation and foreign influence can have far-reaching consequences.
The shift from conventional warfare to information warfare is a concerning development. These anti-disinformation initiatives seem like a necessary response, but the challenge of combating foreign interference is an ongoing one.
Absolutely. Staying vigilant and continuously adapting security strategies to evolving threats will be critical for protecting national sovereignty and local communities.
The shift from traditional military threats to information warfare is a concerning development. These anti-disinformation initiatives seem like an important step, but the challenge of combating foreign interference is an ongoing one.
Absolutely. Staying vigilant and adapting security strategies to evolving threats will be critical for protecting national sovereignty and local communities.
Strengthening security and anti-disinformation efforts in regions vulnerable to malign influence is a prudent move. Local officials play a crucial role in identifying and responding to these complex modern threats.
Curious to know more about the specific tactics and approaches being discussed at these seminars. Countering foreign interference and disinformation requires a multifaceted strategy.
Agreed. The details on how local officials are being trained to identify and respond to these threats would provide valuable insight into the government’s overall approach.
These security workshops seem like a positive step, but the details on the specific tactics and approaches being discussed would be helpful to understand the government’s overall strategy for addressing foreign interference and disinformation.
Agreed. Transparency around the content and methodology of these seminars could provide valuable insight into how local officials are being equipped to handle these evolving security challenges.
These security workshops seem like a positive initiative, especially in regions like Agusan del Sur that may be vulnerable to malign influence. Raising awareness among local officials is an important first step.
Absolutely. Countering foreign interference and disinformation requires an engaged, informed local government that can identify and respond to these evolving threats.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics and strategies being discussed at these seminars to combat foreign interference and disinformation. Information warfare is a complex challenge.
Yes, the details on the content and approach of these workshops would be interesting. Addressing the nuances of modern security threats is crucial for effective policymaking.