Bongbong Marcos: ‘We have to build our cybercrime unit from scratch’
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to build its cybercrime unit from scratch.
The President noted the rise in the country’s online crimes from 13,890 in 2022 to 21,300 in 2023.
“We have to build our cybercrime unit from scratch. Now, we need experts to do this. Magaling ang Pinoy. So, for whatever reason, magaling ang Pinoy sa IT( (information technology), we seem to have a talent for it,” Marcos told the PNP in a command conference on Thursday, February 16.
(We have to build our cybercrime unit from scratch. Now, we need experts to do this. Filipinos are good. So, for whatever reason, Filipinos are good at Information Technology, we seem to have a talent for it.)
READ: Acorda: PNP to tackle rise in cybercrimes
Marcos also ordered the PNP to improve its communications equipment.
“We really have to come up with a plan to improve the communications capability of the PNP. You cannot do your job without being able to communicate,” he said.
Marcos: PNP needs plan to improve communications capability
According to the Palace, the PNP proposed the establishment of a Cybersecurity Center that would monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity issues.
While the PNP already has an Anti Cybercrime Group, PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda has admitted its limitations during a previous briefing.
“We are capacitating our police officers on the ground especially as of previously, our cybercrime group is only up to the regional level,” said Acorda in a mix of English and Filipino.
