MANILA, Philippines – “Anonymous Philippines,” a Filipino group of hackers, has claimed responsibility for the hacking of 195 Chinese government and commercial websites, to take a stand against China’s “oppressive poaching and territorial claims.” The group made this announcement via a post made on its Facebook page.
The group left the message “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!” on each hacked site, in view of visitors to the sites.
The hacked sites were left with the signatures PHCA, Anonymous Philippines, Digital Nodes, Family Pride, and Xhint Knowsz.
The Philippines has been involved in high-tension conflicts with China over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. The latest issue came earlier this month, when Chinese fishermen were arrested off the coast of Palawan for capturing endangered animals.
Anonymous Philippines gained widespread attention in 2012, when, in protest of the Cybercrime Law., they successfully hacked several Philippine government websites.
Since then, the group has hacked into many more websites of the Philippine government, to decry graft and corruption, as well as tyranny and oppression. Among the sites hacked was that of Office of the Ombudsman.