Defending critical technology sectors from foreign interference through MULAT

CALAMBA, Laguna, May 22, 2025 — COL JO-AR A HERRERA PA (MNSA) delivered a lecture entitled “Security Operations by Foreign Actors” during the first General Membership Meeting of the Asset Protection Professionals of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) held at the One Team Hall, Techlog Philippines, Camelray Industrial Park 2, Brgy. Punta, Calamba, Laguna.

The event was attended by 59 security and asset protection professionals from across the semiconductor and electronics sectors. 

Col. Herrera discusses the "Narrative Manipulation/Disinformation," which is one of the five key activities that the United Front Works Department of the PRC employs in the Philippines.

In his presentation, Col. Herrera underscored the increasing prevalence of foreign interference in Philippine affairs, with a particular focus on China’s United Front Work operations. He emphasized that the electronics and telecommunications industries—and the broader business community— has a vital role to play in safeguarding national interests against such malign influence operations.

Col. Herrera proceeded to lecture about MULAT, which aims to raise awareness about the Philippines’ rightful claims in the West Philippine Sea and to rally the business sector and the Filipino people in general, to take an active role in defending national sovereignty. Further, the plan urges heightened vigilance and proactive engagement in addressing illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) activities threatening the country's interests in the contested waters.

Col. Herrera introduces the AFP ComPlan Mulat, which will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic significance of the West Philippine Sea, the ongoing tensions in the region, and the critical role of public awareness in strengthening and advancing the Philippine narrative.

He outlined actionable areas of collaboration with the business sector to counter these threats, including cybersecurity and information sharing, workforce and insider threat mitigation, support for strategic communication and public awareness, and ensuring that foreign investments align with national security objectives. These proposals resonated strongly with the audience, who expressed keen interest during the open forum and Q&A session that followed.

Col. Herrera discussing six countermeasures on how to safeguard business operations against foreign interference and malign influence operations.

The lecture concluded with a stirring call to vigilance and patriotism, as Col. Herrera urged attendees to take proactive roles in protecting the integrity of Philippine sovereignty and its industries.

“The AFP and the electronics industry alike, operate in a multi-faceted, increasingly digital domain—where cybersecurity and information integrity are as critical as physical infrastructure. In this environment, heightened awareness of foreign interference is essential. Understanding how foreign interference work is the first step in countering them. By staying vigilant and informed, we can protect our systems, institutions, and national sovereignty.”

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