MANILA — The government has set up a "digital war room" to combat disinformation leading up to the May polls, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said on Monday.

The DICT said the Threat Monitoring Center was set up by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the Commission on Elections to "detect, disrupt, and dismantle online misinformation and disinformation, protecting the sanctity of the ballot in the digital age."

“This Center is our commitment to the Filipino people. A promise that in a time of digital deception, the government will stand as a guardian of truth and transparency,” said ICT Secretary Henry Aguda.

The Center will help in combating misinformation in cyberspace in the days leading up to the midterm polls, according to Comelec Chairman Garcia.

“Talagang massive po ang misinformation gamit lang 'yung mga isang salita at pagkatapos 'yung mga kone-konektang mga information sa internet [at] sa social media na gano'n, makikita po lahat ng mga kababayan po natin.”

The DICT said the Center will use cutting-edge forensics, rapid-response coordination, and real-time surveillance using representatives from government agencies, law enforcement units, fact-checkers, tech platforms, and civil society organizations.

“When disinformation wins, democracy loses. That’s why we cannot—and will not—let falsehoods go unchecked,” said ICT Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso.