Manila: A total of 21,300 crimes were perpetrated over the Internet or via cell phones in 2023, marking a significant increase from 13,890 in 2022. This alarming rise has prompted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take decisive action to combat cybercrime head-on.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos was motivated to act after cybercriminals executed 15,937 online scams and stole the identities of 2,384 Filipinos. During the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference on February 15, 2024, he directed the PNP to enhance their efforts in fighting and preventing cybercrimes by utilizing advanced technology.
Recognizing the technology-driven nature of cybercrime, President Marcos emphasized the need for the PNP to adopt cutting-edge cyber defenses. The PNP proposed the establishment of a Cybersecurity Center to focus on monitoring, detection, protection, mitigation, and response to cybersecurity incidents. The President expressed confidence in the country's IT expertise, encouraging the development of a robust cybercrime unit.
Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, Chief Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), outlined a vision for transforming the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes investing in advanced security tools, threat detection systems, and world-class training for personnel. A critical component of this strategy is the formation of specialized cyber-response teams to handle real-time threats effectively.
President Marcos has allocated PhP500 million from the PNP's intelligence funds to enhance its IT infrastructure, counteracting budget cuts and reinforcing the government's commitment to tackling digital challenges.
Despite limitations, the PNP-ACG has made progress in reducing online scams. Early 2024 saw a 40-percent drop in scams compared to January 2023. This progress is attributed to ongoing reforms, the expansion of cybersecurity expertise, and the establishment of Cybercrime Desks at police stations, which facilitate quick responses and encourage victims to report crimes.
