By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Noting the cyber threat that affects globally, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said that cybersecurity “would be an area where there would be potential cooperation” between Canada and the Philippines.
This was confirmed on Tuesday by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who revealed that the Philippines and Canada are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) “very soon” on defense cooperation, which aims to boost Manila’s capabilities in addressing regional challenges.
“Increased defense cooperation between countries, like the MOUs we have with other countries… They support our stand with the Arbitral Award and they support our stand in the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro told reporters in an “ambush interview” at a cybersecurity event in Makati City.
The Canadian envoy described the cyber threat as “pervasive and global.”
Hartman expressed concern that “the area where many of our societies remain most vulnerable would be on the civilian side.”
He added that the issue of cyber security poses “real existential threats to our democracy.”
“Canada is a stalwart friend and partner of the Philippines, so we want to be able to work with our friends and partners to augment and enhance the Philippines’ capacity to protect its people, its citizenry, and itself,” Hartman said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
