The Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on Tuesday (October 21st) of using false propaganda campaigns or malicious influence operations to incite retired military and uniformed personnel (MUP) in the Philippines, in an attempt to disrupt military unity.
According to the Manila Bulletin, Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesman for the Western Philippine Sea (WPS) Armed Forces, stated that the CCP “uses false information or malicious influence to advance its illegal claims in the WPS, such as the nine-dash line, the Chinese Coast Guard Law, and declarations of natural protection zones.”
“In the country, the same tactics are also utilized by individuals or groups seeking to discredit the Philippine Armed Forces and undermine social cohesion. Recently, there have been attempts to incite some of our retired uniformed personnel, organize them, and ultimately mobilize them,” Trinidad said.
The Philippine Armed Forces urged its retired personnel to “assist in protecting their forces and guard against individuals deliberately distorting the truth to serve their hidden agendas.”
Trinidad called on all Filipinos to remain cautious so as not to fall victim to false information.
However, the “Philippines-China Understanding Association” (APCU), which promotes Philippines-China relations, criticized the Philippine Armed Forces’ statements as “anti-China propaganda.”
APCU Chairman Raul Lambino disagreed with accusations that the CCP was trying to influence or disrupt the situation in the Philippines and asserted that retired Filipino military personnel would not easily be swayed by foreign forces.
Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the Philippine Armed Forces, stated that the spread of fake news has become the “greatest global risk” directly affecting national security.
“The content we see and read greatly influences our perspectives. The way we form opinions is no longer balanced,” Padilla said when discussing how false information impacts the views of Filipinos.
Tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea are escalating. On October 12th, the Philippine Maritime Commission (an interdepartmental government agency) reported that a Chinese maritime force near Thitu Island (locally known as Pag-asa) used water cannons and struck a Philippine vessel, causing minor damage.
Despite these acts of bullying and aggression, the Philippines stated that it will continue operations in the region to protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.