A Romanian artificial intelligence (AI) firm has chosen the Philippines as its first expansion hub in Southeast Asia, signaling growing investor confidence in the country while reinforcing deepening economic and diplomatic ties between Europe and the Philippines.

The investment was formalized during a partnership signing ceremony hosted by the Embassy of Romania in the Philippines, bringing together European diplomats, business leaders, and technology stakeholders.

Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Răduța Dana Matache welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone in bilateral cooperation and expressing optimism over the company’s decision to prioritize the Philippines over other Southeast Asian markets.

“This is the first such ceremony I have hosted in my four years in the Philippines, and I hope it will not be the last,” Matache said, noting that the technology being introduced aligns with the country’s current needs.

The partnership, facilitated by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), designates the Romanian firm as an official AI partner, aimed at accelerating digital transformation and enabling smarter, data-driven business decisions among local enterprises.

Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of partnerships built on trust and shared purpose, noting the Philippines’ growing value as a strategic partner in the region.

“It starts with people and trust,” the EU Head of Delegation said, affirming continued engagement between the EU and the Philippines across sectors, including technology and security.

Representing the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Albert Perez, ECCP Treasurer and Director, expressed gratitude and pride for the new investment in the Philippines.

He noted that this will help bridge European innovation with the Philippine market, creating opportunities for businesses to leverage advanced AI-powered platforms for workforce intelligence and operational efficiency.

For his part, Romanian investor and CEO Alin Rosca highlighted the RepsMate’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, emphasizing a human-centered approach to AI that complements, rather than replaces, the workforce.

“We believe in local power. We believe in building value within the industry,” Roshka said, adding that the company also plans to roll out corporate social responsibility initiatives alongside its business expansion.

The move comes amid increasing global demand for AI-driven solutions and positions the Philippines as an emerging destination for high-value technology investments, while further strengthening Europe’s footprint in the country’s digital economy.

The character of warfare in the Indo-Pacific is changing fast, moving beyond ships, missiles, and troop deployments into a new domain where control of data, signals, and digital networks could determine the outcome of future conflicts.

This caveat was underscored by Italian electronic warfare expert Antonio Dovizio during a high-level security forum organized by the Italian Embassy in Manila, where he emphasized that future conflicts will increasingly be shaped by dominance in cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security,” Dovizio said the global security environment is undergoing a profound shift — from a unipolar world order toward an increasingly volatile multipolar landscape marked by intensifying strategic rivalry among major powers.

At the center of this transformation is the electromagnetic spectrum — the invisible but critical domain that enables communications, intelligence, surveillance, navigation, and weapons systems.

“The battlefield of the 21st century is no longer made of metal, but of frequencies, data, and signals,” he said.

From radar and satellites to maritime communications and civilian telecommunications networks, modern societies are deeply dependent on spectrum-based systems, making them vulnerable to disruption, interference, or manipulation.

This has given rise to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), an integrated approach that combines electronic warfare, cyber operations, signals intelligence, and spectrum management into a unified operational framework.
Dovizio warned that cyber and electromagnetic threats are increasingly converging, exposing even secure digital systems to risks due to their reliance on wireless connectivity.

“Defending the network without defending the spectrum is like not defending the network at all,” he said.

Cyberattacks delivered through electromagnetic pathways, he noted, could target critical national infrastructure, including energy grids, telecommunications systems, maritime logistics networks, and military command structures — with cascading effects that could disrupt essential services and economic stability.

Cognitive warfare and the battle for decision-making

Beyond physical infrastructure, Dovizio highlighted the rise of cognitive warfare — a strategy focused on influencing decision-makers by manipulating information.

False or distorted data, he explained, can lead to flawed strategic decisions, misallocation of military assets, and operational failure.

“In modern warfare, influencing decisions can have direct effects on the use of force,” he said.

He outlined a broader doctrinal shift in global military strategy — from platform-centric warfare focused on ships and weapons systems, to network-centric operations, and now toward data-centric warfare, where the ability to collect, process, and act on massive volumes of information is key to gaining strategic advantage.

Major powers are rapidly investing in integrated cyber-electromagnetic capabilities, increasingly supported by artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies designed to achieve preemptive dominance across multiple operational domains.

West Philippine Sea vulnerabilities

For the Philippines, these developments carry significant implications, particularly amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Dovizio identified a range of vulnerabilities linked to the country’s maritime geography, including cyber espionage targeting naval operations, hybrid attacks on maritime logistics and port infrastructure, supply-chain disruptions, and deep infiltration of both digital systems and personnel networks.

He warned that cyber operations are increasingly mirroring physical confrontations, with digital attacks capable of shaping real-world military standoffs in contested maritime spaces.

In such an environment, the human factor remains a critical vulnerability, as phishing campaigns, social engineering, and insider threats continue to exploit gaps in cybersecurity awareness.

Rising threat environment, technology as defense

Cyberattacks have surged sharply in recent years amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, highlighting the urgency for countries to strengthen cyber resilience in an increasingly unstable security landscape.
Dovizio stressed that technological innovation remains a crucial line of defense, with integrated cyber-electromagnetic solutions enabling governments to enhance situational awareness, detect emerging threats, and protect critical infrastructure.

These capabilities, he said, are becoming essential as warfare evolves into a complex, multi-domain contest where digital superiority can shape outcomes on land, at sea, in the air, and in space.

Strategic imperative for the Philippines

For the Philippines — strategically positioned at the heart of Indo-Pacific geopolitical competition — strengthening cyber-electromagnetic capabilities is no longer a hypothetical risk but an empirically grounded national imperative.
Safeguarding national security, protecting maritime interests in contested waters, and sustaining economic growth now hinge on the country’s ability to adapt to the realities of modern conflict, where control of information, data, and the electromagnetic spectrum increasingly determines strategic advantage.

Satellite data, he explained, can support critical sectors in the Philippines including agriculture, fisheries, urban planning, logistics, and disaster risk reduction — areas where timely and accurate information can translate into economic gains and improved public services.

Swedish innovation model in space and data

Fuglesang also pointed to Sweden’s innovation-driven approach to space technology as an example of how smaller economies can leverage scientific expertise and collaboration to create globally competitive industries.

He cited the use of satellite data by Swedish companies to optimize shipping routes, improve environmental monitoring, and develop advanced analytics platforms — innovations that have helped enhance operational efficiency while promoting sustainability.

A key enabler of such innovation is access to open satellite data, including information generated through Europe’s Copernicus Programme, which uses Sentinel satellites to monitor the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans.
“A lot of this data is actually available for free,” Fuglesang said. “That creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies to build new services using satellite information.”

Satellite systems are also expected to reshape the future of communications, particularly as next-generation mobile technologies evolve.

Fuglesang noted that emerging developments could allow mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, enabling seamless communication even in remote areas or maritime zones — a capability that could significantly benefit an archipelagic country like the Philippines.

“In the future you may be able to use your mobile phone anywhere through satellite connections,” he said.

Growing role in climate and disaster resilience

For the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, satellite technology plays an increasingly vital role in monitoring weather patterns, tracking environmental changes, and strengthening early warning systems.

Fuglesang emphasized that integrating satellite data into national development strategies can enhance climate resilience while also opening new opportunities for technology-driven enterprises.

With thousands of satellites already in orbit and many more planned in the coming years, Fuglesang said the global space economy is entering a period of rapid expansion.

“A lot of innovation can come from how people use this data,” he said.
For Philippine businesses, startups, and research institutions, he added, satellite-based information represents a new frontier for innovation — one that could drive economic growth, technological capability, and global competitiveness.

The Philippines must strengthen its cyber defenses as intensifying geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific increasingly shifts into the digital domain, officials warn.

Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and trade networks could disrupt business operations and undermine economic growth, making cybersecurity a key pillar of both national security and economic resilience.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security,” organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in partnership with Italy-based defense electronics and cybersecurity firm ELT Group, Brigadier General Walter P. Icaro emphasized that building stronger cyber resilience is now critical for countries like the Philippines.

“As the Indo-Pacific emerges as a center of global economic power and geopolitical competition, the region — home to more than 65 percent of the world’s population — remains a major hub of global trade and technological development,” he said.

Icaro highlighted the rise of “grey-zone operations,” including cyber espionage, ransomware attacks, disinformation campaigns, and the prepositioning of threats within critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, and submarine communication cables.

Security studies have identified cyber threat groups linked to state actors from China, North Korea, and Russia, many of which have targeted Southeast Asian countries.

With more than 90 percent of regional trade dependent on digital connectivity, disruptions in these networks could have major economic and business consequences, affecting finance, logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing are further reshaping the threat landscape, enabling automated malware, sophisticated phishing, deepfake campaigns, and potential future risks to encryption systems that safeguard sensitive commercial and government data.

In response, nations are increasingly adopting layered cyber defense strategies. “Deterrence by denial” approaches, integrating cyber capabilities with conventional defense along the so-called first island chain — a strategic arc stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines and Borneo — aim to prevent adversaries from executing attacks that could paralyze trade and critical business operations.

For smaller nations like the Philippines, Icaro stressed that international partnerships and regional cooperation are vital. Joint exercises, technology exchanges, and ASEAN-led initiatives can strengthen cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, and digital defense capabilities.

He also underscored the need to protect the physical backbone of cyberspace, including an estimated 1.4 million kilometers of fiber-optic cables that support communications, finance, logistics, and trade.

“Through cooperation and shared commitment to cybersecurity, nations—big or small—can contribute to preserving peace and promoting inclusive progress in the region,” Icaro said, emphasizing that safeguarding digital infrastructure is essential for both economic stability and national security.

For Khristina Manansala, encountering two rare works of her grandfather once more felt like stepping into the quiet, contemplative space where the master had first brought them to life.

Known for her own colorful and playful artistic voice, Khristina admitted the experience was nothing short of surreal. Seeing Barung-Barong up close for the first time, she said, stirred deeply personal memories — recalling a day she spent with her mother visiting her grandfather’s home in Binangonan.

Standing before Barung-Barong (1967) and Mother and Child (1972), both still held in private collections, she was reminded not only of the artistic brilliance of her grandfather, fondly known to many as Mang Enteng, but also of the humble roots that shaped Vicente Manansala’s life, values, and enduring philosophy. 

In an exclusive conversation with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Khristina shared how the rare paintings carry the personality, convictions, and quiet strength of the man who would later become one of the country’s most celebrated modern artists.

A rare glimpse of the master

The first work, Barung-Barong (1967), measuring 14 × 24 inches, depicts modest dwellings — structures familiar in many Filipino communities.

To the untrained eye, the subject may appear simple. But for collectors and scholars of Philippine modern art, such imagery reveals the deep cultural consciousness that defined Manansala’s work.

As one of the pioneers of modern Philippine painting, Manansala’s art often portrayed the realities of Filipino life — from urban congestion and market vendors to fishermen, families, and everyday community scenes. His revolutionary approach to cubism reflected both social realities and the cultural identity of the Filipino people.

For Khristina, the Barung-Barong painting carries a personal meaning beyond its artistic value.

“The Barung-Barong reminds me of how Lolo began, simple, grounded, and very connected to the life of ordinary Filipinos.”

The humble structures in the painting symbolize the enduring Filipino values of humility, hospitality, and resilience.

“It reminds us of the people who embrace the Philippines as their home and appreciate its culture,” she said.

Centerpiece of Embassy Night

The painting drew significant attention when it was displayed during THEPHILBIZNEWS Embassy Night at Hotel Okura Manila, where diplomats, ambassadors, and leaders from the business community gathered.

During the event, the rare artwork served as the centerpiece attraction of the evening.

The painting captures the essence of everyday Filipino life, reflecting Manansala’s enduring fascination with the country’s social realities and cultural identity.

Collectors and art patrons present at the gathering took notice.

According to sources familiar with the event, several inquiries and offers were quietly made to acquire the painting. Yet the owner declined to entertain them, choosing to keep the rare work within a private collection.

In the art world, such decisions often add to a work’s mystery.

After all, pieces by Vicente Manansala seldom surface outside major exhibitions or established auction houses.

Memories from Binangonan

For Khristina, the encounter with the painting also revived memories of visiting her grandfather’s home in Binangonan.

She recalled walking into his working area and noticing unusual materials that piqued her curiosity as a child.

“I saw metal sheets in his studio,” she said. “At that time I wondered why Lolo had them.”

Only later did she realize that Manansala was experimenting with materials — pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional approaches.

“Maverick, unthinkable, yet brilliant,” she said.

The quiet mystery of Mother and Child

The second painting, Mother and Child (1972), reveals a different dimension of Manansala’s artistic voice.

Rendered in oil on canvas and measuring 16 × 20 inches, the work depicts a mother and child surrounded by everyday objects such as a bottle, fish, and interior elements—quiet reminders of Filipino domestic life.

Painted in Manansala’s signature transparent cubism, the scene merges sacred imagery with ordinary life.

“The painting is very Filipino,” Khristina explained. “The bottle, the fish, and the interior space show everyday family life.”

The palette is subdued and contemplative — far from the bright colors often associated with Philippine art.

“It’s not colorful,” she noted. “But the dramatic choice of colors, with a touch of antiquity, makes it rare and daring.”

Notably, the painting has never appeared in auction catalogues or public exhibitions and remains in private ownership.

The contradictions of Mang Enteng

To Khristina, the works also reveal the personality of the artist himself.

Manansala was known for portraying the life of ordinary Filipinos — market vendors, families, fishermen, and the crowded streets of Manila — subjects that reflected the social realities of the country.

Yet behind the seemingly simple subjects was a man of complex ideas and unconventional views.

“He was open-minded, stubborn, straightforward, and uncompromising,” she said.

Some of his works carry a certain roughness or simplicity, yet his thoughts and artistic philosophy were remarkably progressive for his time.

“In many ways, his personality was manifested in his art.”

Carrying the legacy forward

For Khristina, encountering the two rare paintings has also reaffirmed her own path as an artist.

Known for her colorful and playful style, she believes her grandfather’s greatest lesson was the courage to experiment.

“I believe I imbibe Lolo’s way of life — to create my own style and explore possibilities,” she said.

Inspired by these works, she has already created reinterpretations of some of his pieces, including The Flight and Woman With Cat.

.

But she insists that imitation is not the goal.

“I could never come close to his masterpieces,” she said.

“These works inspire me not to copy him, but to honor and perpetuate his brilliance.”

A quiet reunion with a master

For collectors and admirers of Philippine modern art, the reappearance of such works offers a rare glimpse into the creative journey of Vicente Manansala.

For Khristina, however, the moment was something more intimate.

Standing before the paintings, she felt the presence of the man she simply calls Lolo.

“In these two rare paintings,” she said softly, “I feel Lolo’s brilliance.”

Curiosity about how the universe works led Dr. Christer Fuglesang to become Sweden’s first astronaut — a journey that eventually took him to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery and to the International Space Station.

In an exclusive interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS during his first visit to the Philippines, Fuglesang shared insights on science, humanity’s place in the universe, and the growing role of satellites and international cooperation in shaping the future.

For the veteran astronaut, the path to space began not with a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, but with a fascination for physics.

“I’ve always liked to understand how the world works, particularly physics,” Fuglesang said.

Rather than aiming directly for space, he pursued what he enjoyed studying. That interest later opened an unexpected door when the European Space Agency announced it was searching for new astronauts.

“I thought, okay, I have to apply,” he recalled. “And I was lucky in the end to be selected.”

Advice to Filipino youth

Fuglesang encouraged Filipino students who aspire to reach space to focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Study STEM,” he said. “All professional astronauts have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, or medicine.”

But academic excellence alone is not enough, he added.

“It’s also important to do other things. Be social, develop different interests, and enjoy what you’re doing,” he said. “Even if you don’t become an astronaut, you can still have a wonderful and exciting life.”

Seeing Earth from space

Having seen Earth from orbit, Fuglesang said astronauts often feel a responsibility to share a powerful message about the planet.

“When you look at Earth from space, you don’t see borders,” he explained.

According to Fuglesang, astronauts working together aboard the International Space Station demonstrate how international cooperation can transcend political boundaries.

“We work together in space to solve problems. We should do the same on Earth,” he said.

From orbit, the planet appears fragile — a thin atmosphere protecting the only known world capable of supporting life.

“Earth is like a spacecraft for all humanity in a huge universe,” he said. “It’s the only place we know that is alive, so we must take care of it.”

Per Aspera, Ad Astra: Waiting 14 years for spaceflight

Fuglesang’s journey to space required patience.

After being selected as an astronaut, he waited 14 and a half years before flying on his first mission.

Part of the delay was caused by the tragic Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, when the shuttle broke apart during re-entry in 2003, forcing the space program to pause operations.

Despite the long wait and the risks involved, Fuglesang said he never considered giving up.

“Not even my family ever tried to tell me to stop,” he said.

Satellites shaping everyday life

The astronaut also highlighted how space technology is already transforming life on Earth.

Today, around 15,000 operational satellites orbit the planet — about ten times more than two decades ago.

These satellites support communication systems, navigation, disaster monitoring, and climate research.

“In the future, you may even connect your mobile phone directly to satellites,” Fuglesang said, noting that such technology could allow communication even in remote areas or in the middle of the ocean.

Satellite data is also helping scientists better understand climate change, monitor agricultural production, and assess the impact of natural disasters.

He noted that much of this data is freely available, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to develop innovative applications.

Opportunities for the Philippines

Fuglesang also pointed to the importance of international cooperation in space exploration.

Because space missions are expensive and technically demanding, countries often pool their resources to pursue ambitious projects such as the International Space Station and the U.S.-led Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

For the Philippines, he said the strategy of developing satellites through international partnerships is a positive step.

Over the past decade, the country has launched several satellites as part of collaborative programs with foreign partners.

Fuglesang advised Filipino scientists and policymakers to continue building their own satellites while participating in international projects.

“You have to learn by doing,” he said. “Building your own satellites, even student satellites, is a very good way to develop expertise.”

At the same time, he said collaboration with other countries ensures access to cutting-edge technology and scientific knowledge.

A lesson from space

Asked about the most important lesson space exploration has taught him about humanity, Fuglesang pointed to the iconic image of Earth rising above the lunar horizon during the Apollo 8 mission.

“When astronauts went to the Moon, they discovered the Earth,” he said.

From space, the planet appears as a small blue dot in an immense universe — a reminder of both humanity’s insignificance and its shared responsibility.

“It is our spacecraft,” Fuglesang said of Earth. “And we must take care of it.”

A warm welcome in the Philippines

Visiting the Philippines for the first time, Fuglesang said he has been impressed by the country’s people and natural beauty.

“I’ve met so many friendly people,” he said, noting the contrast between Sweden’s cold weather and the Philippines’ tropical climate.

An avid sailor, Fuglesang added that he hopes to return one day to explore the country’s thousands of islands by sea.

“With so many islands here,” he said with a smile, “I would love to come back and sail.”

Speaking during the recent seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security” hosted by the Italian Embassy in Manila, Pelaggi highlighted the ongoing debate within European policy, academic, and defense circles over how countries such as Italy should position themselves in what many analysts now consider the world’s most strategically significant region.

Italy, he noted, is widely regarded as a middle power with strong global economic reach but traditionally focused on its core geopolitical priorities—its transatlantic alliance with the United States, its integration within the European Union, and its strategic orientation toward the broader Mediterranean region.

However, shifting global dynamics are increasingly drawing European attention toward the Indo-Pacific, where economic growth, maritime security, and geopolitical competition are rapidly reshaping the international order.

Pelaggi pointed to emerging strategic thinking in Europe that seeks to connect the Mediterranean with the Indo-Pacific through new frameworks sometimes described as the “Indo-Mediterranean,” linking traditional European spheres of influence with Asia’s expanding economic and security architecture.

Still, the debate in Italy is far from settled.

While policymakers recognize the region’s growing importance, Pelaggi said they are also weighing the risks of “over-stretching” the country’s diplomatic, economic, and military resources while maintaining stable economic relations with major global partners.

Rome’s decision to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative reflects part of that careful recalibration, as Italy reassesses its strategic posture while avoiding unnecessary geopolitical confrontation.

So far, Italy’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific has largely taken the form of naval diplomacy, defense cooperation, and strategic coordination with allied nations.

Recent naval deployments and joint exercises with partners such as the United States and Australia signal a gradual expansion of European presence in the region, although Italian forces have generally avoided highly sensitive waterways such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

According to Pelaggi, these missions also serve to demonstrate technological capability and strengthen interoperability with allied navies.

The discussion formed part of a broader academic initiative tied to the publication of a book examining the economic and geopolitical implications of the South China Sea.

The volume brings together European and Filipino scholars and policymakers to analyze the strategic importance of one of the world’s most contested maritime regions while also revisiting the historical evolution of relations between Italy and the Philippines.

Pelaggi noted that historical records reveal early naval missions played a role in shaping diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with maritime exchanges serving as one of the earliest links between Italy and the Philippines.

For Manila, he said, Europe’s growing attention to the Indo-Pacific offers an opportunity to deepen dialogue and expand cooperation with European partners seeking stronger engagement in Southeast Asia.

As Europe reassesses its strategic role in the region, the Philippines could benefit from strengthening economic, diplomatic, and security partnerships with countries looking to contribute to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

“The Indo-Pacific will shape the global order of the future,” Pelaggi said, emphasizing that engagement in the region will be essential for countries seeking to remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

For Philippine policymakers, Europe’s evolving posture toward the Indo-Pacific presents a timely opportunity to broaden partnerships and reinforce the country’s role as a key stakeholder in shaping the region’s future.

As geopolitical tensions intensify across the Indo-Pacific, much of the public focus remains on naval movements and territorial disputes. Yet beneath these visible tensions lies an imminent threat in cyberspace—one capable of disrupting economies, crippling critical infrastructure, and eroding public trust without firing a single shot.

For the Philippines, an archipelagic nation whose security and prosperity depend on interconnected maritime and digital networks, strengthening cyber resilience must become a central priority as hybrid warfare increasingly shapes the region’s strategic landscape.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security”, hosted by the Italian Embassy in Manila, Major General Angelito M. de Leon, Undersecretary for Defense Affairs of the Department of National Defense, warned that cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue—it has become a strategic imperative.

Cyber threats now span espionage, intellectual property theft, attacks on critical infrastructure, and hybrid operations targeting information systems, public trust, and economic stability.

“Cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue. It is a strategic imperative that directly affects national sovereignty, economic stability, and the integrity of our democratic institutions,” De Leon said.

He stressed that the Philippines must accelerate its shift from decades of internal security operations toward a broader external defense posture, particularly in protecting its maritime domain and critical digital infrastructure.

This includes submarine communication cables, which carry roughly 90 percent of global data traffic, supporting financial systems, communication networks, and international commerce.

Six critical pillars

1. Protect critical infrastructure – secure government networks, financial systems, energy grids, and transport networks from cyber disruptions.

2. Strengthen military cyber capabilities – expand the role of the AFP Cyber Command in defense operations and network protection.

3. Develop robust response systems – ensure rapid recovery and redundancy for government and industry networks in the event of attacks.

4. Invest in innovation and technology – leverage AI, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, while supporting domestic production and research.

5. Enhance international cooperation – work with allies and regional partners to share intelligence, conduct joint exercises, and promote a rules-based order in cyberspace.

6. Safeguard public trust and institutions – counter disinformation, protect democratic processes, and strengthen cyber literacy.

De Leon noted that disruptions in cyberspace could affect maritime navigation systems, satellite communications, and command-and-control networks, especially in sensitive areas like the West Philippine Sea.

He further warned that national security is also vulnerable to insider threats, including spies and individuals who betray the country for money or foreign interests, particularly in strategic domains.

These hybrid threats—blending cyber attacks, disinformation, espionage, and conventional pressure—require a whole-of-nation approach combining government, the armed forces, industry, academe, and international partners.

“The cyber domain may be intangible, but its impact is very real. It influences the security of our nation, the prosperity of our economy, and the confidence of our citizens,” De Leon said.

“Our collective efforts today will shape the resilience and stability of the Indo-Pacific for generations to come,” he added.

Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio has warned that rapidly evolving cyber threats are emerging as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing security challenges, calling for stronger international cooperation to boost digital resilience.

Speaking at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security,” Giglio stressed that cybersecurity has become a core issue in national defense planning and economic stability, not just a technical concern.

The ambassador said that amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect, and now demand close coordination between governments, industry, and academia. He underscored that cybersecurity today is no longer a purely technical issue but a strategic pillar of national security and economic stability.

Giglio pointed to the “very positive momentum” in defense cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, highlighting the landmark defense agreement signed on February 14 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The pact is designed to deepen collaboration across several areas, including cybersecurity, and signals Italy’s intent to play a larger role in Indo-Pacific security.

“Cyber security requires a holistic approach that combines technical and industrial capacity, strong governance, academic engagement, and the promotion of digital literacy,” the envoy said, framing cyber resilience as a whole-of-society effort.

He warned that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable, targeting not only governments but also businesses and essential services. In Italy, he said, the industrial and manufacturing sector accounted for more than one-third of cyber attacks in 2025, a trend that exposes the growing vulnerability of companies, including small and medium enterprises.

To confront these risks, Italy has strengthened its cyber defense architecture through institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Agency, established in 2021 to implement the country’s national cybersecurity strategy and coordinate efforts to anticipate and counter cyber threats.

Giglio also showcased Italy’s growing capabilities in electronic warfare and defense technology, anchored in its strong industrial base and specialized small and medium enterprises. He cited Italian defense companies such as Leonardo as key players in advanced military technologies and international defense programs.

Among these initiatives is the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet development project jointly pursued by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The program reflects Italy’s broader push to strengthen multi-domain defense capabilities, including in the cyber and electromagnetic spectrum.

The seminar also featured insights from Stefano Pelaggi of Sapienza University of Rome, who has extensively studied security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly tensions in the Taiwan Strait and their economic implications.

Giglio said the event aimed to foster deeper discussion and collaborative efforts among partners in addressing emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, with cyberspace increasingly at the heart of strategic competition.

“The cyber dimension will be an essential part of the broader platform of cooperation that Italy and the Philippines intend to build together,” he said.

The seminar gathered policymakers, scholars, and members of the defense and diplomatic community to examine how cyber capabilities are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific region and how international cooperation can help address emerging threats.

With three Filipinos caught spying for China, the threat is not only external but alarmingly internal as cyber threats in the Indo-Pacific emerge as a new battleground, prompting the AFP to strengthen maritime and digital defense capabilities.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is intensifying its focus on cyber and maritime defense after three Filipinos were caught passing sensitive information to handlers linked with Chinese intelligence. Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, warned that cyberspace has become a critical frontier in the Indo-Pacific, where digital attacks increasingly intersect with maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger national cyber capabilities, tougher legislative penalties for espionage, and deeper international defense partnerships.

Trinidad spoke at the seminar “Indo-Pacific: Cyber Domain as the New Frontier of Security” hosted by the Italian Embassy in Manila, describing the region as the global epicenter of cyber conflict.

“Cyberspace is no longer a support function; it is a high-speed, strategic domain. Cyberattacks can achieve effects comparable to naval blockades without triggering full-scale military escalation,” he said.

He cited a 103% surge in cyber incidents in 2025, including GPS and maritime system interference, satellite disruptions, infrastructure espionage, and attacks on emergency networks, emphasizing how digital threats now spill over into economic and operational domains.

The espionage case also revealed how adversaries exploit everyday platforms, including gaming apps, for covert communication.

“If this had happened a decade ago, detection would have been far more difficult. Today, the cyber domain amplifies the reach and speed of hybrid threats,” Trinidad noted.

Highlighting the AFP’s response, he said the military has shifted from internal security to external defense, embedding cybersecurity into core operations, ensuring operational resilience, and maintaining command even during network isolation. Strong partnerships with allies, including the U.S. Air Force and private sector collaborators like ELT Group, are crucial to bridging capability gaps.

Trinidad also stressed the need for legislative reforms to impose stiffer penalties on traitors and espionage agents, warning that cyber-enabled treachery threatens not only military operations but national sovereignty and public trust.

“The Filipino people are resilient and adaptive, but we are also among the fiercest defenders of the nation when threatened. Strengthened cyber and maritime defenses are central to protecting the Philippines in this new era of hybrid warfare,” he said.

The seminar, graced by Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio and other defense, technology, and diplomatic stakeholders, reinforced that cyber, maritime, and technological domains are now interconnected arenas of modern security, requiring international cooperation, integrated planning, and holistic frameworks to safeguard national and regional stability.