DILG, NICA bolster AgSur’s security, anti-disinformation efforts
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) strengthened Agusan del Sur’s fight against disinformation and security during the January 27–29 session held at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC) in Patin-ay in this town.
Barangay officials, local government officials, and representatives of various government agencies attended the seminar on countering Foreign Interference and Malign Influence (FIMI) and strengthening national security awareness in Agusan del Sur, highlighting that disinformation and propaganda lead to confusion, community conflicts, social media cheating, and malign foreign influences.
“We explained to our officers that our country faces threats beyond our traditional enemy, the New People’s Army (NPA)—including foreign indifference and malign influence,” said Director Bonifacio Pulgo, regional director of NICA Caraga.
“Before, war occurred in the forests with bullets. Now, the security landscape has shifted: the battle is in the cognitive domain, or in our mind, also known as cognitive warfare. Today’s weapons are not guns and bullets, but cellphones, radio, and social media used to turn people’s minds against the government,” Dir. Pulgo added.
The activity aims to boost local officials’ knowledge and preparedness against Foreign Interference and Malign Influence (FIMI) as the frontline defenders of peace and order in the province. It also seeks to strengthen coordination among LGUs, barangays, and National Government Agencies (NGAs), while providing guidance on monitoring and reporting activities that signal potential security breaches.
“We’re holding this to engage our local officials and help the government combat illegal activities orchestrated by foreigners—not for the Philippines’ good, but for their own agendas,” said Director Pulgo.
Governor Santiago Cane Jr. urged local officials to stay alert, support one another, and build strong mechanisms to protect their communities.
“Your presence here is vital to safeguarding peace and order in our barangays, cities, municipalities, province, region, and country,” said Gov. Cane.
The local government hopes that through the Defending Against Foreign Interference and Malign Influence Agusan del Sur (DEFEND ADS) initiative, the community and government will unite to bolster the province’s peace, order, and security. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
