Teodoro stresses need for stronger cyber defenses

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. (right) meets US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Charles Q. Brown at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 16, 2024.  (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA, Philippines – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C.Teodoro Jr. has stressed the need for more formidable cyber defenses amid increasing incidents of attacks against cyber domains and to address critical concerns, especially in information and communications technology.

“Our cyberspace is the most vulnerable in the defense establishment, and the most aggressive attacks come from state and non-state actors. In this age of disinformation, maintaining robust cybersecurity is paramount,” Teodoro said in a statement late Tuesday.

Teodoro issued the statement following his meeting with US Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Charles Q. Brown, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

According to the DND, discussed during the meeting were areas of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

“Reflecting on the recent talks with US Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary Teodoro reiterated the importance of the continued cooperation between the two nations’ defense establishments,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a separate statement.

Teodoro also highlighted the recent signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, expressing optimism for similar agreements with other like-minded countries.

The defense chief concluded by highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation and streamline transactions between defense officials and their counterparts.

Brown, for his part, acknowledged the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States, emphasizing the importance of his visit in sustaining the momentum of bilateral cooperation, according to the DND.

Both officials expressed optimism about the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), noting that it is on a positive trajectory, Andolong said.

Brawner, on the other hand, expressed the AFP’s satisfaction with the visit of his counterpart, seeing it as a reaffirmation of the robust Philippines-US military relationship.

“This visit sends a strong message to our neighbors and signals that our military-to-military relationship is strong. We hope that General Brown’s visit will be beneficial for both the Philippines and the US,” Brawner said.