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CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined the first sessions of the Inaugural Balangay Forum: Safeguarding Philippine Maritime Interests, held today, here as a culminating activity for this year’s Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo). The AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., participated in a panel discussion on the topic of protecting the Philippines’ maritime domain.
The forum's central objective is to advocate for effective and sustainable maritime governance, aiming to maximize the country's rich marine environment and biodiversity while ensuring the security of its waters and people.
During the discussion, General Brawner emphasized that the AFP would remain a key player in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and upholding the rule of law in its territorial waters. He also stressed the importance of public awareness and strong defense partnership to develop and implement effective policies that safeguard the Philippines' maritime domain.
“The AFP embarked on an extensive information operation MULAT, with the aim of raising awareness among Filipinos about what is happening at the West Philippine Sea. Aside from this, the AFP through multilateral maritime cooperative activities, enhances its capabilities in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain,” said General Brawner.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has initiated the “Mulat” Communication Plan aimed at countering misinformation and enhancing public awareness regarding Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This program, introduced by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., seeks to promote transparency and unite Filipinos in advocating for national interests amid rising misinformation.
Named “Mulat,” which means “awakened,” the plan underscores the AFP’s commitment to bolstering transparency, countering disinformation, and fostering a more informed public on issues concerning Philippine waters.
During a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Gen. Brawner emphasized the significance of the new campaign, anchored on the theme “Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future.” This theme reflects the AFP’s dedication to engaging all stakeholders in protecting and preserving Philippine maritime territories.
“We defend our seas, our rights, and our future. What we are doing is not just for the present but also for the future generation of Filipinos,” explained Gen. Brawner.
The launch of “Mulat” follows a notable increase in misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, exacerbated by recent incidents such as the Ayungin Shoal confrontation. This incident involved the China Coast Guard blocking a Philippine Navy rotation and reprovisioning operation, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel.
Gen. Brawner cautioned against disseminating false information, emphasizing its potential to sow discord and undermine public trust in government institutions like the AFP. He called upon the public to remain vigilant against attempts to spread misinformation, highlighting unity as crucial in overcoming challenges.
The ‘Mulat’ Communication Plan is not just an initiative of the AFP but a collective effort to foster a more resilient Philippines. It aims to empower citizens with accurate information and encourages collective action to defend our national interests. Your role in this plan is crucial, and your actions can make a significant difference.
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- In line with its ongoing efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and promote regional stability, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has introduced the "Mulat" Communication Plan for the West Philippine Sea.
This strategic initiative which was formally launched on June 28, was formed under the guidance of AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
During a press conference today at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, General Brawner emphasized that “Mulat” which means "awakened”, aims to bolster transparency, counter disinformation, and enhance public awareness regarding the Philippines' rights and interests in the region.
By enhancing public awareness and rallying patriotic sentiment, the plan aims to unite Filipinos in advocating for the nation’s interests and contributing to a more resilient Philippines.
Central to the said Communication Plan is the theme "Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future" reflecting the AFP's commitment to engaging all stakeholders in the effort to defend and preserve the Philippine waters.
"Ipagtatanggol po natin ang ating karagatan, karapatan at ang ating kinabukasan. Ang ginagawa natin ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyan but we are also doing this for the future generation of Filipinos," said General Brawner.