AFP to focus on cyber warfare — Brawner

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will focus on cyber warfare, among other matters, newly-appointed Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Friday. 

Brawner said that the modernization of cyber warfare will be part of the development in territorial defense under his helm.

“Part of this modernization would be a focus on cyber warfare,” Brawner said in his speech during the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“Great equalizer”

Brawner called the cyber domain as the “great equalizer.”

“I see cyber as a great equalizer and we have great potential to be a player in the cyber domain,” he said.

“We will develop our capabilities in cyber warfare …Whether you are a big or a small country, you can fight in that cyber domain,” he said, partly in Filipino.

He also noted that the Filipino has a “great potential” and “talent” when it comes to cybersecurity.

“I believe we have great potential here in the Philippines,” he said. 

“If you recall … the ‘I love you’ virus was created by a Filipino. So we are not lacking in potential and in talent when it comes to cybersecurity,” he added. 

Brawner added that the AFP will also focus on professionalism, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former fighters in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, dismantling what remains of the communist insurgency and youth development through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Brawner replaced Gen. Andres Centino, who will now serve as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.

 gsg