The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged the public on Tuesday, August 25, to remain vigilant against information operations carried out by foreign entities amid an ongoing verbal dispute between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine authorities concerning maritime territory and enforcement activities.
Retired Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, military spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), cautioned citizens to scrutinize external propaganda meant to shape public opinion and compromise national discourse.
“Be very careful in listening to foreign malign influence. These are false narratives being spread by our adversary to shape the information space,” Trinidad stated.
Trinidad highlighted a noticeable increase in foreign-aligned propaganda campaigns over the past four months, specifically pointing out efforts directed at law enforcement activities and key defense leaders, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“There has been a noted spike or increase in foreign-aligned influence activities for the past four months,” he said. “This centered on the conduct of law enforcement operations. These targeted government officials, to include our very own SND [Secretary of National Defense].”
The spokesperson explained that these strategic information campaigns aim to sow internal division and manipulate public understanding of the country’s sovereign rights.
“Be careful because the objective of foreign malign influence is to divide us as a people. To make Filipinos fight among themselves, to shape the narrative, to change public perception, and ultimately to advance their own interest,” Trinidad warned.
The military’s warning comes during heightened rhetoric between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials, including Teodoro and Philippine Coast Guard WPS spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela. Trinidad reaffirmed that while the armed forces welcome international partners that adhere to local regulations, they firmly reject efforts to discredit legitimate domestic operations.
“We welcome our partners and allies to abide by the laws of the land, to do site surveys, inspections, or exercises with the AFP. We do not welcome adversaries who turn out to spout false narratives about legal law enforcement operations,” he added.