Cyber tools in new PH defense law to curb modern security woes

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the development of cyber defense technologies under the newly enacted Republic Act (RA) 12024 or the Self-Defense Reliant Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act will enable the country to respond to evolving security challenges.

"Integrating cyber tools into the SRDP is vital, given the current landscape where cyber threats are integral to external security challenges. Cyber warfare is now closely linked to traditional warfare, making it imperative for our defense systems to keep pace with technological advancements," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters Wednesday.

She added that these cyber tools will be important in safeguarding the nation's critical infrastructure and ensuring that military operations remain resilient against any form of digital attack.

The AFP official emphasized that the SRDP involves research and development in collaboration with various government agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions.

This includes the manufacture of arms and equipment and the development of cyber tools needed for defense.

"Such tools may encompass cybersecurity frameworks, threat detection systems, artificial intelligence for intelligence gathering, and advanced encryption techniques tailored to counter rapidly evolving cyber threats," Padilla noted.

She likewise assured the public that the AFP will uphold its mandate to protect the people and the state, extending its efforts into the cyber domain.

Padilla also said that the AFP is committed to enhancing its capabilities under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) through the Modernization Program that calls for the SRDP.

Signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, RA 12024 seeks to ensure adequate defense assets and hardware for the country through domestic production, manufacturing, and national defense industry development.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier vowed that only essential modern technologies needed by the military would be prioritized under the new law. (PNA)