DOJ to improve anti-cybercrime capacity in 2025

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

Vasquez made the statement following the arrest of a foreign national and two Filipinos suspected of engaging in months-long electronic intelligence-surveillance-reconnaisance (ISR) operations in key military and civilian infrastructures in the country. (PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will embark on capacity-building this year to improve its anti-cybercrime efforts, according to a senior official.

In an interview on PTV-4’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” on Wednesday, DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said that for 2025, they will “take major strides in strengthening the DOJ’s fight against cybercrime by conducting advanced technological and forensic trainings for its personnel and law enforcement units.”

He added that the department will also improve its collaboration efforts with other government agencies, especially those under the Judiciary.”

The DOJ has an Office of Cybercrime (OOC) created under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 that serves as the central authority in all matters relating to international mutual assistance and extradition for cybercrime and cyber-related matters.

The OOC also acts as “the focal agency in formulating and implementing law enforcement investigation and prosecution strategies in curbing cybercrime and cyber-related offenses nationwide,” according to the DOJ.

Vasquez made the statement following the arrest of a foreign national and two Filipinos suspected of engaging in months-long electronic intelligence-surveillance-reconnaisance (ISR) operations in key military and civilian infrastructures in the country.

The DOJ confirmed that it is pursuing other members of the group who may have procured equipment used in the eavesdropping operations, even as the military said it is monitoring the role played by Philippine Online Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the alleged spying activities.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during his State of the Nation Address last year, ordered the closure of all POGOs in the country due to their involvement in illegal activities.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday likewise announced the arrest of eight foreigners in Parañaque City allegedly engaged in online phishing operations.