PNP tightens cyber watch ahead of SoNA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its cyber operations on heightened alert ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on 27 July, citing threats ranging from cyberattacks and online disinformation to phishing schemes and digital scams.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to intensify cyber patrols to detect misinformation, coordinated influence operations and cybercrimes that could target the event.

“Our primary concerns are cyberattacks against critical information infrastructure, the spread of misinformation and coordinated influence operations, and online scams that exploit public interest in the SONA,” Nartatez said.

The PNP earlier issued a cybersecurity advisory identifying three priority areas: protecting critical information infrastructure, countering online disinformation and influence operations, and preventing scams and social engineering attacks.

The cyber measures complement the PNP’s broader security plan for the President’s address, with more than 20,000 National Capital Region Police Office personnel to secure the Batasang Pambansa, surrounding communities and designated protest areas.

Nartatez said the PNP has completed its contingency and operational plans and is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units and other law enforcement agencies to address emerging threats.