Senator pushes stronger cyberwarfare capabilities amid evolving threats

• Courtesy of Senate of the Philippines

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has called for stronger cyberwarfare capabilities in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for the military to prepare for emerging digital threats amid changing global security conditions.

Gatchalian made the call as he pushed for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen its defense capabilities, including acquiring equipment that would help the country respond to potential cyberwarfare threats.

“The geopolitical situation in our region and around the world is changing rapidly. We are seeing conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and other parts of the world. The point is, it is important that we remain prepared and continue to modernize and strengthen our armed forces, including in the area of cyberwarfare,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate President, who chairs the Senate Finance Subcommittee overseeing the proposed budgets of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies, emphasized the importance of preparing the military for conflicts that increasingly involve cyberspace.

He pointed out that cyberwarfare has become a growing concern as digital technologies play a larger role in modern military operations and international conflicts.

“I have also heard and seen a lot in the news about cyberwarfare becoming a reality in these kinds of situations. I know cyberspace is complicated, but even so, it is important that we are able to acquire equipment that will help us prepare for these kinds of conflicts and warfare,” he added.