February 21, 2025 – Camp Lapu-Lapu, Apas, Cebu City – The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, successfully cascaded the Communication Plan “MULAT” to the Visayas Command (VISCOM) as part of the organization’s broader campaign to assert Philippine Narratives amidst the issues in the West Philippine Sea.

COL JO-AR HERRERA PA (MNSA), the pioneer of the Campaign, stated: The OJ7 launched the ComPlan MULAT to render measurable change, and we are cascading this to you (Unified Commands) to protect the cognitive domain of all AFP troops, empower them to battle disinformation, engage key stakeholders and create localized programs in support of the Government’s efforts for the West Philippine Sea.”  

Lt. Col. LEO M MIRADOR PA presented the AFP Communication Plan ‘MULAT,’ while Mr. Franz Ragpa CivHR, Researcher, OJ7, presented the Instructional Package to guide VISCOM personnel in MULAT-related information dissemination.

The second part of the event featured a Strategic Communications (StratCom) workshop which aimed to equip planners and operators in developing objectives, identify audiences, as well as craft proposed projects, all anchored on the said ComPlan.

COL JONES BRISAL OTIDA MNSA (INF), Chief of Unified Command Staff, VISCOM, emphasized that “In order to maintain the Trust Rating for AFP in the West Philippine Sea, we need to firmly internalize “MULAT”, as it serves as a roadmap in ensuring that our messages are coherent; it is the tool, the basis, and the guide. We must remember that we are not just messengers, we are storytellers. We have the power to paint narratives that inspire, because the fight for the WPS is not only the AFP’s fight, it is a fight for all Filipino.”

Colonel Herrera concluded by urging participants to communicate consistently, both online and offline, to gain an information advantage. He emphasized that information is power, and greater knowledge leads to truth— since "MULAT" is informational, it embodies power, wisdom, and the truth.

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.

February 5, 2025 – Camp General Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, successfully conducted the cascading of its Communication Plan ‘MULAT’ at Camp General Guillermo Nakar, Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), Lucena City.

According to Colonel JO-AR HERRERA PA, the communication campaign's leader, "The goal of the cascading is to equip our communicators in planning, organizing, facilitating, and engaging relevant key stakeholders in their respective jurisdictions." The event was attended by 77 SOLCOM personnel comprising representatives from HSOLCOM, JTFs Katagalugan and Bicolandia, TOWSOL/NFSL, RCDGs, and CDCs.

Brig. General ALDWINE ALMASE PA, Deputy Commander, SOLCOM, emphasized the importance of the Communication "Mulat" in fostering an understanding and awareness of the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea. In his remarks, “I believe in this initiative, we aim to create informed and engaged citizens who are aware of our maritime rights and the significance of the WPS in our national sovereignty."  

Lt. Col. LEO M MIRADOR PA, presented the AFP Communication Plan ‘MULAT,’ detailing its strategic importance in setting the proper perspective on the Philippines’ rightful claim over the disputed waters. Following this, Mr. Ragpa CivHR, Researcher, OJ7, introduced the instructional package and media guidelines, ensuring consistency in messaging across all concerned AFP units.

The cascading event included a series of presentations and discussions aimed at enhancing the participants' knowledge of the communication strategies and objectives of the ‘MULAT’ plan. It also encouraged active participation and feedback from the attendees, ensuring that the message resonates throughout the various units of the AFP.

As part of the campaign, the AFP seeks to deploy various communication tools and platforms to disseminate information effectively. The focus will be on educating the public about the historical and legal bases of the Philippines' claims over the West Philippine Sea, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect its maritime territory.

Colonel Herrera concluded the event by urging the participants to take the lessons learned back to their respective units and engage with their communities. “Your role in this campaign is crucial. We need to work together to ensure that the message of our commitment to defending our maritime rights is loud and clear,” he said.

The AFP’s ‘MULAT’ communication plan supports a broader strategy to strengthen national unity and raise awareness about critical national issues, especially concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty. The successful execution of this cascading event marks a significant step in the AFP's ongoing efforts to promote informed citizenship and national pride among Filipinos.

January 17, 2025 – Camp General Servillano A. Aquino, Tarlac City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7 cascade its comprehensive communication plan, "MULAT," aimed at strengthening the Philippines' narrative on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The event took place at Camp Aquino, and was attended by 86 key AFP personnel representing various units from Northern Luzon Command Joint Operational Area. The primary objective of cascading "MULAT" to all Unified Commands and the Joint Task Force-NCR is to ensure a consistent and unified approach in disseminating factual information and reinforcing national awareness regarding the WPS issue. By operationalizing the communication plan across all AFP units, the organization aims to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Brigadier General EDGAR C. TORRES PAF headed the OJ7 Party, while Colonel JO-AR A HERRERA PA (MNSA) served as the lecturer, providing valuable insights into the strategic framework of the communication plan and emphasizing the importance of a synchronized and proactive approach in addressing information challenges related to the WPS.

"The cascading of the MULAT communication plan is a crucial step in our efforts to present a unified and credible narrative that reflects our national interests in the West Philippine Sea. Through collaboration and strategic messaging, we aim to combat disinformation and foster greater public awareness and support," said Col Herrera.

The AFP remains committed to its role as the protector of the nation's sovereignty and continues to adapt its strategies to address evolving challenges in the information domain. The successful cascading of "MULAT" is expected to empower AFP units with the necessary tools and guidance to effectively communicate the country's position on the WPS.