QUEZON CITY — The increasing spread of disinformation and misinformation, or “fake news,” particularly by some vloggers, could be part of cognitive warfare, an international relations expert warned.

Cognitive warfare is a strategy that targets people’s minds and behaviors by disrupting their cognition—the process of acquiring and processing knowledge and information—with the intent to influence or manipulate their thinking, perceptions, and actions.

De La Salle University Distinguished Professor of International Relations Renato de Castro said during the Saturday News Forum, “We see these vloggers as individuals. The question is, who’s behind them? What drives their focus on vlogging? They might also be part of a cognitive warfare, especially in light of our issues concerning the West Philippine Sea.”

Several vloggers have been invited to a legislative inquiry by the House of Representatives amid allegations that some of them were involved in spreading fake news.

De Castro pointed out, “We cannot discount politics. We cannot discount the fact that there is a strategy involved. There is malice; they are backed by a state actor with resources and strategic mindset. The goal is to demoralize and create division.”

He warned that the issue could worsen as the May 2025 midterm elections approach.

“Nakita natin last election in Taiwan, kung paano nag-apply ang Tsina ng cognitive warfare to influence the ordinary Taiwanese. That is very crucial, lalo na part tayo ng geopolitical game na nangyayari ngayon,” he said.

The professor emphasized the Philippines’ strategic geopolitical position, highlighting that “elections do really matter.”

In the same forum, a fake news report involving the agriculture sector and economy was also discussed.

Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa cited a report claiming that three rice farmers in Nueva Ecija had taken their own lives due to the low price of palay.

However, De Mesa said an investigation proved the report was false.

“Pinaimbestigahan na po yun ng ating kalihim at napatunayan na hindi totoo,” De Mesa stressed.

He added, “Hindi tama at hindi nararapat yung mga ganitong balitang ipinapakalat dahil una, disimpormasyon; pangalawa, may epekto ito sa ating mga kababayan.”

Professor De Castro urged the public to remain vigilant and practice critical thinking when encountering politically charged social media posts.

“Titingnan mo ang news saan yan nanggagaling and pangalawa is critical thinking. ‘Yan din ang i-impart natin sa educational system regarding how do we determine the truth? Na we don’t accept things as they are. We have to look into the motive, we have to subject it sa internal or external criticism,” De Castro stressed.

📷 Markus Winkler (Pexels), Saturday News Forum