The Philippine and Australian defense forces met in Manila on Wednesday to advance their cybersecurity and cyber defense cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
In a courtesy meeting at Camp Aguinaldo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Air Commodore Paul Pettigrew of the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Force Cyber Component (JFCyC) discussed Australia’s “Defend Forward” initiative and potential collaboration in cyber capacity-building with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the DND.
“The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Philippine and Australian governments to advancing cybersecurity and cyber defense cooperation, particularly in light of increasing global cyber threats,” the DND said in a statement.
Both sides stressed the need to deepen the long-standing partnership, not just at the tactical level, but also in cyber governance and strategic planning. Pettigrew reaffirmed Australia’s readiness to support the Philippines in building secure, interoperable cyber defense systems through sustained dialogue, skills development, and joint initiatives.
Pettigrew introduced the JFCyC—established in 2024—as the ADF’s lead unit for integrated cyber operations. He also highlighted growing linkages between the JFCyC, public service sectors, industry partners, and international allies, reinforcing “the strategic value of multilateral cyber collaboration,” the DND added.
