Manila, Feb. 19 -- A ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said the country is facing "persistent cyber attacks" linked to its territorial dispute with China regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AFP Cyber Command chief Brig. Gen. Joey Fontiveros, however, assured the public that government measures are in place to address issues arising from these threats.

He said the Department of National Defense and the AFP view cybersecurity as integral to national security, given the reliance on information systems for territorial integrity and economic stability.

"Government responses include the National Cyber Security Plan, which emphasizes advanced threat assessment, capacity building and closing skills ...