The Philippines is currently in the midst of a "coordinated and sustained" cyber offensive orchestrated by China, according to a recent report. This offensive marks a significant shift in geopolitical tensions, moving from the West Philippine Sea into the digital realm. The offensive is characterized by influence operations aimed at shaping public perception, manipulating discourse, and undermining institutional trust.
Speaking at the "Navigating Digital Crossroads" cybersecurity forum, Victor Andres Manhit, President of the Stratbase ADR Institute, described the situation as an "unseen war" being waged through information dominance and psychological operations rather than traditional military force. He emphasized that modern conflict is increasingly about controlling narratives, influencing decision-making environments, and shaping public perception, particularly evident as regional tensions spill over into cyberspace across the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Manhit highlighted China's "three warfares" doctrine, which includes psychological, legal, and public opinion warfare, as a framework that underpins the current offensive. This doctrine is being implemented through operations that aim to undermine Philippine sovereignty by embedding strategic messaging into public discourse and amplifying pro-China narratives on online platforms.
A recent survey commissioned by Stratbase revealed that a majority of Filipinos are deeply concerned about the spread of misinformation online, viewing it as a significant national vulnerability in an increasingly contested information landscape. The survey also indicated widespread perceptions of corruption, inflation concerns, and support for stronger anti-corruption measures among the population.
These legitimate concerns, as noted by Manhit, create vulnerabilities that can be exploited to undermine democratic institutions and influence policy outcomes. He pointed to China's use of coordinated networks linked to its United Front Work to disseminate strategic narratives in the Philippines through various associations, including business groups, academic exchanges, and sister-city partnerships.
The report also warned of a growing threat posed by local actors who may be amplifying pro-China messaging without transparency on affiliations or funding, contributing to what was described as a "shadow campaign" targeting Filipino media, influencers, and thought leaders through cyber troops, trolls, and automated bot networks. These operations, as noted, frequently transcend digital spaces and impact community discourse, policy debates, and national decision-making processes.
As the country prepares for the 2028 national elections, concerns about potential foreign interference loom large, with efforts already underway to shape digital ecosystems and influence public sentiment. Highlighting the importance of public trust, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda emphasized the need to bolster institutional credibility alongside technological safeguards. He called for enhanced incident response mechanisms, interagency coordination, and a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity awareness involving multiple stakeholders.
In conclusion, the report underscored the necessity for national defense strategy to prioritize information integrity and cyber resilience as core components of security policy. As the country faces rapid geopolitical and technological shifts leading up to the elections, strategic clarity, institutional cohesion, and a united front against digital threats are deemed essential to safeguard national sovereignty in the digital age.