AFP battling online fake news on West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Alarmed by fake news on the West Philippine Sea issue swarming various social media platforms, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is stepping up its fight against disinformation in the cyber domain where China’s deceptive narrative appears to be gaining followers.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. announced yesterday the military’s new initiative – Communication Plan (COMPLAN) Mulat (Awake) – at a press briefing after his mid-year command conference with President Marcos at Camp Aguinaldo.

The program aims to counter false narratives and information on the internet that undermine the Philippines’ effort to counter China’s growing aggressiveness in staking its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said. The military did not reveal details of the program.

The AFP has been alerting the public and the media to the proliferation in cyberspace of pro-China fake news, including manipulated photos and videos of supply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, transport of military equipment and even maritime patrols.

Brawner said “Mulat” aims to bolster transparency, counter disinformation and enhance public awareness of the Philippines’ rights and interests in the region.

COMPLAN Mulat revolves around the theme “Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future.”

“We will continue to defend our seas, our rights and our future. What we’re doing is not just for the present, but for the future generations of Filipinos as well,” Brawner said.

Also at the briefing, Brawner called on the public to remain calm amid Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that China had 25 targets in the country for possible missile attacks.

“We’re appealing to our countrymen – don’t panic just because of this information. We’ve not seen report to this effect that there were 25 targets. So therefore, I’m in no position to comment. I myself have not seen such report, especially the location of the 25 supposed targets,” he said.

But he said the AFP would be coordinating with the senator’s office as well as with other relevenat agencies for more – and detailed – information regarding the reported missile targets. He stressed the AFP has the