Philippine Army works with Canadian counterpart to bolster digital defence

The Philippines’ Department of National Defence (DND) has joined forces with the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) to strengthen its digital defence. 

This initiative has delivered practical training to the Philippine Army’s cyber defence personnel and other specialists the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), thus ensuring they are prepared to assess and mitigate evolving cyber risks. 

The Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) was a week-long course conducted in this January, and is part of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP) focusing on foundational defensive cyber operations. 

The initiative underscores stronger military cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, building on agreements like the Canada–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement to enhance interoperability and regional security.  

Digital warfare capability 

Speaking to GovInsider, Army Vice Commander Major General Efren F Morados emphasises that the training strengthens collaboration between both countries, as well as enhances the Philippine Army’s collective ability to operate, defend, and succeed in cyberspace - a domain he now refers to as critical as land, sea, and air.  

He notes that the course fosters a shared understanding of terminology, tools, and procedures, boosting cooperation and information sharing with Canada.  

Morados also highlights the strategic focus in developing human capital in cybersecurity, stressing that defending against cyber threats requires continuous training and advanced skills. 

The MCSOC trains personnel in foundational defensive cyber operations, equipping them to protect military networks from intrusions and threats.  

Participants learn technical skills in network monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability assessment, while learning to identify suspicious activity, trace attacks, and implement defensive measures.  

Morados emphasises cyber situational awareness, intelligence analysis, and the use of tools to detect malware, ransomware, and phishing.  

Combining hands-on exercises with theory ensures that trainees can apply cybersecurity concepts effectively in realistic military scenarios, he says.  

The course also includes legal modules on domestic and international cyber law, underscoring the growing importance of responsible state norms in cyberspace, he says. 

By learning about the rules of engagement and ethical considerations, it ensures that cybersecurity operations are legally compliant, ethically sound, and coordinated with civilian authorities.  

The MCSOC builds a sustainable cybersecurity workforce by developing specialised skills, leadership, and career paths within the Philippine Army, ensuring long-term readiness and continuous capacity to defend against evolving cyber threats. 

Cyber operations outlook 

According to the Major General, their collaboration with CAFCYBERCOM enhances interoperability by aligning protocols, standards, and operational procedures between the Philippine Army and allied cyber units.  

Through joint exercises, participants learn to communicate effectively, share threat intelligence, and coordinate responses during cyber incidents.  

This ensures that in a real-world scenario, both forces can operate seamlessly across networks and organisational boundaries. 

Interoperability also extends to technical compatibility, as the course familiarised personnel with tools, frameworks, and reporting structures used by allied forces.  

This shared understanding improves collaborative capabilities in multinational operations, enhances joint cyber exercises, and prepares the AFP to contribute to broader regional and global cyber defence efforts. 

Morados explains that lessons from the course will likely shape the armed force’s strategic planning, risk assessment, and policy development in cybersecurity.  

Giving an exmple, he notes that by understanding best practices and emerging threats, the Philippine Army would be able to update its cyber defence framework, implement more robust monitoring systems, and develop standardised response protocols across units. 

He also emphasises the importance of continuous training and capacity building, highlighting cybersecurity as an integral part of national defence.  

By institutionalising these lessons, the Philippine Army can maintain readiness against cyber threats, improve resilience of its networks, and integrate cybersecurity considerations into broader operational planning and national defence strategies. 

Challenges remaining 

Despite the training, challenges remain in infrastructure, resources, and workforce capacity.  

Some units may lack the advanced hardware, software, or network architectures necessary to implement sophisticated cyber defence measures. Ensuring that all units are uniformly equipped and connected remains a critical hurdle. 

Another challenge is the rapidly evolving threat landscape, where attackers continually develop new tactics. Continuous training, threat intelligence updates, and integration with national cybersecurity frameworks are essential to maintain readiness, he adds.  

Additionally, ensuring effective coordination between military and civilian agencies as well as balancing operational needs with legal and ethical constraints would remain as ongoing considerations for the Philippines to sustain a robust cybersecurity posture.