Francisco Ashley Acedillo

Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo (“Ace”) is a distinguished strategy, security, and intelligence professional with over 25 years of experience spanning government service, defence, cybersecurity, and public policy.

He contributes strategic insights on national security, cybersecurity policy, and regional defence co-operation in the Indo-Pacific region. Currently serving as a Technical Consultant for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Mr. Acedillo’s extensive government experience includes his recent role as Deputy Director General for Cyber and Emerging Threats at the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), where he directed national counterintelligence strategies against cybersecurity threats and weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Acedillo was previously Assistant Vice President for Cybersecurity Strategy and Innovation at PLDT-Smart Communications, Inc.

His legislative experience as a Representative during the 16th Congress of the Philippines (where he was ranked as one of the “Most Productive Partylist Representative”) provides him with valuable insights into the policy-making process. During his term, he helped pass seven bills into national law, including Republic Act 10844, which created the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Mr. Acedillo’s academic credentials include specialized training in cybersecurity policy and strategy from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Cincinnati, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, and the Estonian Aviation Academy. He recently completed the International Security and Intelligence Programme at the University of Cambridge (2025) and the Executive Program on Artificial Intelligence at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (2024).

As a former Philippine Air Force pilot, Mr. Acedillo brings practical operational experience to his strategic analyses. His combat service earned him the Gold Cross Medal, the third-highest military award for gallantry in action, as well as the Distinguished Aviation Cross for heroism during aerial operations, among 18 other awards and decorations.

Mr. Acedillo’s research focuses on cybersecurity governance, defence modernization, and strategic co-operation frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region. His work contributes to addressing critical issues affecting the Philippines and East Asia through informed policy advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Mr. Acedillo holds a Master of Management degree from the Asian Institute of Management (as a W. Sycip Graduate School of Business Full Scholar) and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the Philippine Military Academy, where he received the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) Award for academic excellence in history.