Philippine Army, PIA Collaborate to Combat Disinformation and Security Threats on Social Media

Philippine Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade Intensifies Digital Warfare Capabilities Against Disinformation

The Philippine Army’s 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade has stepped up efforts to combat disinformation and strengthen its digital presence through specialized social media training conducted in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Calabarzon on February 12 in Cavinti, Laguna.

As the military continues to face evolving threats from communist insurgency groups, the focus has shifted from traditional battlefield tactics to countering propaganda in the digital space. The initiative reflects the changing nature of internal security operations in the Philippines, where online influence has become a critical battleground.

Colonel Noel Wamil, Brigade Executive Officer, explained that while the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has significantly weakened, their influence operations continue through legal fronts and social media campaigns.

“In our area, we continue to address internal threats from the CPP-NPA-NDF. Although their armed component has significantly declined, it has not been completely eliminated,” Colonel Wamil said. “They still maintain a legal sector composed of unarmed individuals who organize rallies, recruit supporters, and attempt to shape public opinion.”

The training program comes at a critical time when insurgent groups have increasingly turned to digital platforms to advance their narratives and recruit supporters. Security analysts have noted that such groups have become more sophisticated in their use of social media to target specific demographics, particularly the youth and marginalized sectors.

“What I’m pointing out now is that the battle is no longer fought with guns, because they barely have armed members left—only a few remain,” Colonel Wamil emphasized, highlighting the strategic shift in counter-insurgency operations.

The 202nd Infantry Brigade’s initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s broader whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict, which combines military operations with enhanced information campaigns and development programs.

To strengthen its strategic communication capabilities, the brigade has formed partnerships with various media organizations beyond government channels. This collaborative approach aims to ensure more effective communication strategies and wider reach among different segments of society.

The two-day training program covered essential skills in social media management, content creation, and countering disinformation. Participants, comprising personnel from various units under the brigade, are expected to share their newly acquired knowledge with their respective battalions, creating a multiplier effect that will enhance the entire unit’s digital communication capabilities.

On the second day of the training, local media organization Laguna Patrol provided additional expertise in news writing, broadcasting, and social media content creation, offering participants insights from professional media practitioners.

Military analysts have noted that this focus on digital capabilities represents a significant evolution in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ approach to counter-insurgency. As traditional combat operations become less frequent, information operations have gained prominence in the military’s strategy to address internal security challenges.

The Philippines has witnessed a substantial decline in NPA strength over the past decade, with the military reporting that numerous former guerrilla fronts have been dismantled. However, authorities remain concerned about the continued influence operations conducted by front organizations and sympathizers using digital platforms.

The training initiative in Calabarzon highlights the military’s recognition that winning the hearts and minds of the population increasingly depends on establishing a credible and effective presence in the digital information space, where the battle for public opinion continues to unfold.