Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — All service commands of the military, alongside the police, coast guard, and cyber security group began their joint drills on territorial defense, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led more than 1,500 active and reserve forces from the army, air force, navy, Marines, special operations command and cyber group in opening the exercises on Monday that will last until to Nov. 17.
The Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard personnel are joining their military counterparts.At this point we have to take this very seriously because we can face a formidable competitor or adversary any time in the future,” Brawner said.Cyber defense exercises is one of four major events of Joint Exercise Dagat Langit Lupa amid rising cyber threats.Brawner has ordered the creation of a cyber command to address cyber resilience in defense strategies.
“The battlefield has evolved. It’s no longer in the real time world but in cyberspace so a new unit will be created and new competencies will be developed for such,” AFP civil relations group head Brig. Gen. Demy Zagala said.
No comment on alleged destabilization
Brawner did not comment when asked about reports that he supposedly warned troops against joining moves to destabilize the administration.
“Huwag na. Para mawala na,” Brawner told reporters.
[Translation: Let’s end all talk so it goes away.]
The grapevine has it that retired military officials were behind efforts to oust President Bongbong Marcos.
On Saturday, Brawner said he heard rumors about the alleged destabilization efforts, but clarified there was no such plot.
The AFP chief and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said some former troops who were unhappy about the administration’s policies, but that this did not mean there were plans to remove Marcos.
