AFP beefs up cyberspace capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): AFP beefs up cyberspace capabilities

With the Internet now considered a new domain in warfare, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is enhancing its cyberspace capabilities.

"It is high time for the AFP to build up its cyberspace capability as we are in the midst of rapidly evolving technologies. Our operations greatly rely on a secure and reliable cyberspace that protects fundamental freedoms, privacy, and the continuous flow of information," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

This would ensure the military's defense capability at all times.

Incidentally, the AFP will celebrate the 81st founding of its Signal Corps which maintains the military's main communication backbone.

It has been providing the AFP's echelons of command and control with voice and data services for the past 60 years.

Arevalo said the AFP Signal Corps provides services in times of disasters, as well as in national events such as the recent ASEAN Summit.

“The AFP Signal Corps also envisions the establishment of a Cyber-capable armed force by developing policies and establishing a responsive organizational structure manned by a pool of cyber-capable workforce,” AFP Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems deputy chief-of-staff Major Jose Tanjuan said.

The AFP Signal Corps was officially formed as one of the technical services of the Philippine Army in 1936 through the National Defense Act.

The term “signal” became known to refer to a highly distinct military occupation dealing with methods of communications.

“The AFP Signal Corps has significantly contributed to bolster the AFP’s cyber workforce which has been our first line of defense against the growing number of digital threats,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=942213