Ched Rick Gatchalian

Philippine Army soldiers stand at attention during the celebration of the 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary in Fort Bonifacio,  Taguig City on March 22, 2023.  Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

AFP probes alleged ‘deliberate, orchestrated’ campaign vs military

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176906033064420230322-ph-army-126th-anniversary-soldiers-JC1484.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine Army soldiers stand at attention during the celebration of the 126th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary in Fort Bonifacio,  Taguig City on March 22, 2023.  <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an investigation into what it described as a deliberate and orchestrated disinformation campaign aimed at eroding public confidence in the military.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/17/-battlefield-is-changing-marcos-orders-military-to-gear-up-for-digital-warfare-1052">&#x27;Battlefield is changing&#x27;: Marcos orders military to gear up for &#x27;digital warfare&#x27;</a></div><p>AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is seriously looking into a series of events and narratives — including press conferences, social media posts, and amplified online content — which appear to follow a synchronized pattern.</p><p>“It appears to be part of a sophisticated and multi-layered disinformation campaign. Makikita niyo itong mga nangyayari, [they are] deliberate. Synchronized itong pattern na ito,” Padilla told reporters in an interview on Thursday.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/21/afp-col-lachica-files-cyberlibel-complaints-vs-madriaga-over-unverified-claims-2131">AFP Col. Lachica files cyberlibel complaints vs Madriaga and his legal counsel, over ‘unverified claims’</a></div><p>“Ang narratives, even sa social media, involving such issues, such as yung press conference na kinonduct ni Mr. Chavit Singson, itong social media posts ni Colonel Audie Mongao, and others concerning the AFP, seem to indicate that these are not isolated issues,” she added.</p><p>According to Padilla, the timing, content, and amplification of narratives suggest a multi-layered information operation designed to not only weaken confidence in the AFP, but to also sow divisiveness within its ranks.</p><p>“Kailangan nating tanungin ang timing nito, content nito, ang yung pag-amplify nitong mga information na lumalabas sa social media,” Padilla said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;CRISIS NARRATIVE&#x27;</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The AFP’s initial assessment indicates that “a certain group” is deliberately creating “a crisis narrative against the AFP and the broader security sector” to stir public anger and justify a planned mass rally in the National Capital Region (NCR) on February 25.</p><p>“This pattern of distorted claims, emotional appeals, and repeated misinformation is meant not only to weaken confidence in our armed forces, but to also create instability,” Padilla said.</p><p>The AFP is now investigating who may be behind the narratives, how they are being spread, and whether external actors are supporting or directing the effort.</p><p>Despite the issue, Padilla assured the public that the AFP remains focused on its mandate, and will continue to act on legitimate concerns through proper legal and institutional channels.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/19/afp-strengthening-internal-controls-after-coa-findings-on-unliquidated-cash-advances-1514">AFP ‘strengthening internal controls’ after COA findings on unliquidated cash advances</a></div><p>The official also urged the public to rely on verified information from credible sources, and to reject attempts to mislead, divide and destabilize the nation.</p><p>“We remain solid, professional, disciplined, and united in one purpose. Nananatili tayong mapagmatyag sa ganitong mga nangyayari. Hindi kami nagpapadala sa ingay at patuloy naming tutuparin ang aming mandato,” Padilla stressed.</p><p>“Gusto rin naming ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan na maging mapanuri tayo, kasi nagkalat na itong mga fake news and misinformation. Pilit po nilang hinihila ang AFP sa ganitong mga usapin,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owrfkK4_7Mo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an investigation into what it described as a deliberate and orchestrated disinformation campaign aimed at eroding public confidence in the military.</p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an investigation into what it described as a deliberate and orchestrated disinformation campaign aimed at eroding public confidence in the military.