The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied a viral YouTube video that claims to show a naval standoff with Malaysian forces, calling the footage “entirely fabricated.”
In a statement, the AFP warned the public against sharing the video, which it said was designed to “strain our 60-year diplomatic ties with Malaysia, erode public trust in the AFP, and provoke unnecessary tensions.”
According to the military, no such incident occurred, and the video appears to have been deliberately crafted to manipulate public perception and undermine relations between the two countries.
“Such disinformation threatens peace and stability in the region, serving only political or strategic agendas,” the AFP said.
The AFP reiterated its commitment to “transparency, truth, and the protection of national interests” and urged the public to verify information from credible sources.
“The truth is our strongest defense,” the AFP said, adding that efforts to mislead the public and stir conflict through fake news will not be tolerated.