AFP Public Affairs Highlights "MULAT" Communication Plan at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas Forum on West Philippine Sea

Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Philippines – February 21, 2025 – A leading strategist from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) delivered a comprehensive lecture to students at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas today, detailing the AFP's "Communication Plan 'MULAT'" and its pivotal role in navigating the complex landscape of the West Philippine Sea.

The lecture was part of a face-to-face forum titled “Environmental Impact and Geopolitical Dynamics and Regional Security: Forum on the West Philippine Sea,” held from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Ugnayang La Salle. The forum, a partnership between De La Salle Philippines – Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission and De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, addressed the detrimental impacts of the challenges in the West Philippine Sea on the maritime environment and biodiversity, as well as the geopolitical dynamics and regional security concerns surrounding the Philippines’ legal victory in an international arbitration case against China.

Addressing the forum, Colonel Enrico Gil C. Ileto PA (MNSA), Chief of the Public Affairs Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7, AFP, elucidated the "whole-of-nation" approach embodied by the AFP's "Communication Plan 'MULAT'," emphasizing its strategic importance in fostering national unity, countering disinformation, and garnering international support amidst escalating regional tensions.

Along with Col. Ileto, Dr. Renato De Castro, Professor, DLSU, and Dr. Jonathan Anticamera, Professor, UP Institute of Biology, shared their expertise as resource persons.

"Maintaining the trust and confidence of the Filipino people in the AFP's mission to protect our national sovereignty is paramount," Colonel Ileto stated. "The 'MULAT' plan directly addresses the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persistent efforts to undermine this trust through insidious disinformation and malign influence campaigns. By empowering our citizens with accurate information and fostering a united front, we fortify our national defense posture."

Colonel Ileto highlighted the core objectives of the "MULAT" plan, including:
 • Strengthening National Unity: Underscoring the critical need for an informed and unified citizenry to effectively address geopolitical challenges and implement national policies concerning the West Philippine Sea.
 • Countering Disinformation and Malign Influence: Detailing the AFP's proactive strategies to combat the PRC's disinformation tactics and safeguard public trust in the government's actions.
 • Building International Support: Explaining how "MULAT" facilitates the clear communication of the Philippines' position and concerns to the international community, thereby bolstering support for the country's claims and upholding the rules-based international order.

The lecture underscored the seamless alignment of "MULAT" with the forum's focus on regional security concerns, emphasizing that robust international support is indispensable for maintaining stability and peace in the region.

"The 'MULAT' plan is not merely a communication strategy; it is an integral component of our national security architecture," Colonel Ileto concluded. "Through informed citizenry and a unified national stance, we can effectively safeguard our sovereignty and contribute to a peaceful and stable regional environment."

The De La Salle University-Dasmarinas forum provided a valuable platform for students to gain critical insights into the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding the West Philippine Sea and the AFP's strategic response. Colonel Ileto’s lecture, along with the other resource person’s presentations, was met with enthusiastic engagement from the student body, fostering insightful discussions and deepening understanding of the critical issues at stake.