Strengthening cyber partnerships: MGen Dave Yarker’s visit to the Philippines

July 18, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:45

By: Major Christopher Daniel, CAFCYBERCOM Senior Public Affairs Officer

In early July 2025, Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander of Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM), completed a pivotal visit to the Philippines, further solidifying cyber defence cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command (AFPCyCom).

During his stay in Manila, Major-General Yarker met with senior leaders from AFPCyCom in a Key Leader Engagement (KLE) that provided an important platform for both sides to share insights on emerging cyber threats and the evolving security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions focused on identifying relationship-building opportunities and enhancing interoperability to address current and future cyber challenges effectively.

“This visit highlights the importance of our partnership with the Philippines in promoting cyber resilience and safeguarding a secure and open digital environment,” said Major-General Yarker. “By working closely with our regional partners, we strengthen not only our own capabilities but also contribute to peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.”

Colonel Joey T. Fontiveros, Commander of AFPCyCom, emphasized the practical impact of the engagement. “This activity with the CAF serves as a catalyst for improving our capabilities in the cyber domain,” he said. “Through partnership and collaboration—particularly in training and cyber-immersive activities—we are building a stronger, more resilient cyber force for the future.”

The strategic value of deepening cyber cooperation was echoed by Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Information Systems and Cybersecurity and concurrent Undersecretary for Defense Affairs. “We all know that the cyber threats we are facing are rapidly evolving. From state-sponsored activities to ransomware, to disinformation attacks on national critical infrastructure – these challenges are becoming more complex, persistent and increasingly intertwined with broader international security concerns,” he said. “Amid all this, the need for trusted partnerships built on shared values and common commitment to peace, security, and the responsible use of cyber space is essential and urgent.”

This engagement forms part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, which underscores the country’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive region. Prior to the Philippines, Major-General Yarker visited Singapore and Vietnam to meet with their military cyber leadership.

Canada and the Philippines have a robust defence partnership, anchored by the Canada-Philippines Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024. This agreement expands collaboration across multiple domains, including maritime security and regional stability. In March 2025, the two countries finalized a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, providing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with enhanced flexibility to operate and conduct exercises within the Philippines.

“Cyber operations are central to modern defence, and CAFCYBERCOM stands at the forefront as the CAF’s lead for generating and employing cyber capabilities,” said Major-General Yarker. “Our collaboration with partners like the Philippines enables us to share expertise, build mutual resilience, and confront evolving threats together in a complex digital battlespace.”

Major-General Yarker’s visit underscored the CAF’s commitment to advancing cyber defence partnerships, deepening operational integration, and reinforcing a resilient security architecture across the Indo-Pacific.