Philippine authorities on Friday warned that China’s foreign interference and malign influence (FIMI) activities in the country could intensify as the 2028 elections approach, stressing the importance of transparency to prevent division and misinformation among Filipinos.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea, said he will continue his messaging on maritime issues despite criticisms from the China Embassy in Manila and some local politicians.
“Ang mga Pilipino makakalimutin. If we silence transparency now, in 2028, nalimot na uli ng mga Pilipino kung sino ang mga politikong hindi tumindig para sa ating paninindigan sa West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said, warning that China could support candidates aligned with its interests.
He noted that China’s FIMI operations have intensified in recent years as a counter to the Philippine government’s transparency campaign, particularly after Beijing declared Bajo de Masinloc a national natural reserve.
“I don’t think that the Chinese government will eventually say that, ‘We’ll stop doing this.’ Because this is a battle of narrative. FIMI is basically a battle of narrative — how can they be able to shape the public opinion,” Tarriela added.
Meanwhile, Capt. Marissa Martinez of the Philippine Navy highlighted that China’s aggressive social media posts targeting certain government officials may also form part of its FIMI tactics. She underscored the need to strengthen transparency strategies and public education.
“The way they respond through media and the way they respond also through social media, it is one of their tactics, techniques, and procedures in terms of FIMI operations,” Martinez said.
“And not only that, I would just like to highlight the emergence also of information laundering… it could either be a state actor or it could also be an individual or politician probably that could hire someone outside of the country and sell false information. And this is very dangerous.”
Officials urged sustained efforts to maintain transparency and public awareness as a critical defense against foreign influence operations in the run-up to the 2028 elections.