AFP flags foreign disinformation on fishermen program

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday cautioned the public against what it described as disinformation being spread by foreign state-linked media regarding the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program.

In a statement, the AFP said false narratives were circulating online claiming that the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) initiative is a propaganda effort or a provocation.

"The truth: KBBM is a civilian-led livelihood and food security program, run by BFAR and the Philippine Coast Guard, supporting Filipino fishermen operating lawfully within our Exclusive Economic Zone, fully recognized under international law," the AFP said.

The military added that the government’s maritime presence aims to ensure the safety of civilians and support lawful activities, consistent with the State’s constitutional and legal mandate.

"Disinformation threatens national security, public trust, and unity. The AFP calls on all Filipinos to verify facts, reject false narratives, and stand united in defending our sovereignty. Protecting our fishermen and exercising our rights in our own waters is not provocation—it is our duty," the AFP said.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defend the country’s maritime domain, including its 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and the Kalayaan Island Group.

"If needed, officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are ready to lay down their lives to defend the country's territory, which includes its 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG)," Trinidad said.

"The mere fact that we wear the uniform, we swore to protect this country from all threats domestic and foreign. It goes without saying, if and when the ultimate sacrifice is necessary, we expect the AFP to perform its mandate regardless of the cost," he added.

Trinidad said the AFP remains guided by the Constitution and supported by international and domestic law in protecting Philippine territory and the welfare of its citizens.

He stressed that the government’s maritime presence exists to protect Filipino fishermen and uphold the country’s rights, not to provoke tensions.