Filipino hackers responsible for attacking Chinese websites will face the law – Palace

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MANILA — Filipino hackers responsible for recently defacing 195 Chinese government and commercial websites may soon be landing in hot water, Malacanang said Tuesday.

It can be recalled that a group of Filipino hackers, “Anonymous Philippines” reportedly claimed responsibility for the hacking on Monday.

They were expressing rage over Chinese fishermen caught poaching near the Hasa-Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) off Palawan in the West Philippine Sea, an area that is also being claimed by China.

In the defaced Chinese websites, the hackers posted: “China’s alleged claim on maritime territories and oppressive poaching can no longer be tolerated. Stand against Oppression! It’s time to fight back! Say no to China’s bullying!”

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a Palace media briefing said that hacking was against the law and that they would have to face the consequences of their actions.

“We have laws on maintenance of integrity of (internet) sites, in cyberspace, and we need to remind all concerned that such laws are being enforced in our country, respective of views that may be held by people who are resorting to those actions,” Coloma said.

“We will continue to abide by our laws,” he added.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has many times, insisted that the best way to settle the sea dispute was through the rule of law.

Despite China’s aggressive actions, the President implied that the Philippine government wanted peaceful resolutions to the long-lasting dispute.