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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
April 28, 2026 | 12:00am
Members of the Philippine Army celebrate their 127th founding anniversary at the Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac on March 22, 2024.
STAR / KJ Rosales
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division will be hosting a digital and social media summit on combating misinformation and on strengthening public trust.
Government communicators will take part in the summit tomorrow until Thursday to strengthen coordination and enhance capabilities in the evolving digital information environment.
The inaugural event will gather social media managers and public information officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, local government units and partner agencies to promote collaboration and reinforce the delivery of accurate, timely and responsible public information.
Emphasizing the critical role of communication in today’s digital space, assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations Philippine Army Col. Francisco Molina highlighted government communicators’ vital role in ensuring that the public is guided by facts.
“In today’s digital environment, the fight does not stop on the ground, but in the minds of the people. As government communicators, our role is to ensure that truth remains stronger than misinformation, disinformation and malinformation and that our message is not only heard, but trusted,” Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, 2ID commander, said.
Meanwhile, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. has announced the designation of Vice Admiral Alan Javier as new commander of the Palawan-based Western Command, which covers the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Brawner presided over the change of command ceremony on Sunday at the headquarters of the Tactical Operations Wing-West at the Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa City.
Javier succeeded Commodore Charles Merric Villanueva, who served as acting commander following the retirement of Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr. on Feb. 16.
Villanueva will continue to serve as Wescom’s deputy commander for external defense operations.
“The ceremony featured the symbolic handover of command and the awarding of Commodore Villanueva in recognition of his leadership and service,” the AFP said.
“Maritime and sovereignty patrols were carried out with discipline and purpose. Our domain awareness improved. Our posture remained firm – without escalation, without compromise. The work you have done has strengthened our position, not just operationally but institutionally,” Brawner said.
During Villanueva’s tenure as acting Wescom chief, Brawner said his command sustained a credible and steady presence in the WPS.
The AFP chief underscored the importance of continuity and decisive leadership.
“To Vice Admiral Alan Javier, you come into this role with experience that is both operational and strategic. Your task is clear: sustain presence, strengthen deterrence, build capability and lead your people well,” Brawner said.
