Manila: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) urged the public to remain vigilant online as cyber threats continue to evolve amid increased digital activity during the holiday season.
According to Philippines News Agency, CICC acting Executive Director, Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso, noted that the surge in online shopping, digital payments, and social media use during Christmas often coincides with a spike in cyber scams. These include AI-generated deepfakes, fraudulent investment offers, and fake calls or messages impersonating trusted individuals.
"So, ngayon pinaplano naman namin to monitor and detect deepfakes doon sa mga social media platforms in real time para mapa-takedown (So now, we are planning to monitor and detect deepfakes on social media platforms in real time so they can be taken down)," Paraiso said during his interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. He emphasized that the agency is shifting from a purely complaint-based approach to more proactive monitoring of cyberspace.
Paraiso highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals to create highly convincing audio and video content, making it challenging for users to distinguish real from fake. "One second na nananatili iyong mga misinformation na iyan, may naloloko na iyan (Even if misinformation stays online for just one second, someone can already be deceived)," he said.
He also warned of emerging scam technologies such as rogue text-sending devices, malicious charging cables disguised as ordinary accessories, and unauthorized access tools targeting e-wallets, which have been detected locally after appearing in other countries.
To help protect the public, the CICC encouraged victims or those who encounter suspicious online content to immediately report incidents through its anti-scam hotline 1326, which provides feedback within 24 hours. Paraiso mentioned that the hotline has helped build public trust and increase reporting, with cybercrime complaints reaching about 16,000 cases from 2024 to 2025.
"Kapag nag-report ka within 24 hours, may update ka at nagiging transparent kami diyan (When you report, you receive an update within 24 hours, and we remain transparent)," he said, adding that cases may involve content takedowns, guidance for complainants, or referrals to law enforcement agencies.
As Filipinos celebrate Christmas, the CICC reminded the public to verify online information, avoid clicking suspicious links, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
