AFP on full alert ahead midterm polls

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is on full alert ahead of the elections, operating in “dual mode” to maintain combat operations while securing the electoral process, a military official said Sunday.

“The AFP is working on dual mode as of this time,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said in a radio interview. “That means we’re still operating in combat mode, and of course now we are in election mode. We are not neglecting our role in our regular operations. It continues uninterrupted.”

Padilla noted that the AFP has mobilized its troops for election-related duties, including deployment as members of special electoral boards in areas categorized as hotspots. “Our numbers vary depending on the category of the areas,” she said in Filipino. “The entire Armed Forces of the Philippines is on standby for all contingencies that may arise.”

The military is also monitoring cyberspace for possible disruptions and disinformation campaigns. Padilla emphasized that the AFP is working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to detect and neutralize cyber threats.

“Our preparations for the elections include cybersecurity and information operations,” she said. “We are closely coordinating with the DICT and other partners to monitor potential cyber interferences both online and any disinformation campaigns. This is also a key focus of our new DICT secretary.”

Padilla added that the AFP’s cyber units have enhanced surveillance measures and activated both intelligence and cyber commands to combat emerging threats in the digital sphere.

“These units have been working continuously, not only during the elections but even prior to that, as we’ve already seen the fake news, disinformation, and malformation campaigns we’re facing — we are addressing them,” he explained.

On matters of national security, Padilla assured the public that no credible report is ignored. “In all events that concern national security, the AFP keeps close watch,” he said. “When something is reported to us, we devote the necessary attention and time to truly examine if there is veracity to the reports.”

She added, “We do not let any stone unturned. We are closely working with other agencies to put it out in the open.”