Boost cybersecurity, Marcos orders Army

President Marcos on Friday ordered the Philippine Army to beef up its capability in fighting cybersecurity risks.

During its 127th founding anniversary celebration held at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, Marcos stressed the need to transform the Army into “a multi-mission-ready, cross-domain and capable force that can effectively thwart emerging threats to our country’s stability and sovereignty.”

“Our ability to counter cyberthreats is also of great importance. Given this emerging threat, I urge the Philippine Army to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities,” he said.

The President was unable to attend the celebration as he was still recuperating from flu-like symptoms, but his remarks were read by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“I hope that you will adopt the lessons you have learned, the best practices you have gained from joint operations, and interactions with other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and our foreign defense counterparts,” the President said.

In his speech, Marcos assured the government will “continue to boost our Army’s morale, efficiency and responsiveness through continuous capacity-building initiatives, rigorous training and education activities, and other meritorious pursuits.”

He also recognized the Army, led by Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, for its achievements in its successful internal security operations and its efforts to shift to external defense operations.

READ: President Marcos OKs 5-year national cybersecurity plan

It was a reference to the Army’s support for the whole-of-nation approach in ending the communist insurgency, and its transition from internal security to external defense amid heightened geopolitical tension in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rescue missions

“Equally noteworthy are your peacetime endeavors, which put you at the forefront of rescue and recovery missions aimed at ensuring the safety of our citizens. Our soldiers have become a reliable and calming presence amidst the loss and destruction that come in the wake of disasters and calamities,” Marcos said.

Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac is the home of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

With the theme “Matatag na Hukbong Katihan para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” it was the first time the Army celebrated its founding anniversary program outside its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

READ: Strengthening PH cybersecurity