AFP warns of rising foreign influence as West Philippine Sea tensions intensify

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Information Agency

PHILIPPINES – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is warning of a growing threat beyond the waters of the West Philippine Sea, saying foreign malign influence activities have increased over the past four to six months.

AFP West Philippine Sea spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said coordinated online accounts, deceptive media platforms and psychological manipulation are being used to influence public perception and undermine trust in Philippine security institutions.

The military said these operations could deepen divisions among Filipinos and shape narratives surrounding the country’s territorial disputes.

The AFP is calling for stronger government action against foreign state-sponsored influence campaigns, emphasizing that defending Philippine interests now extends beyond physical territory into the digital information space.

As tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue, authorities are urging Filipinos to be more critical of information circulating online and to distinguish legitimate reporting from coordinated misinformation.

The battle for the West Philippine Sea is no longer fought only at sea—it is also being fought on Filipino screens.