PNP upgrades anti cybercrime body

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has upgraded its anti-cybercrime body, turning it into one of PNP’s National Operational Support Unit in a bid to further strengthen the agency’s capability to go after offenders on the Internet.

The newly created Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is an upgraded version of the division that was previously under the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said Wednesday.

“Meaning to say… lalakas ito at magkakaroon ng mas maraming resources. And at the same time, talagang mas mabibigyan ng attention,” Cerbo said.

He said the ACG was created to serve as the primary unit responsible for the implementation of pertinent laws on cybercrimes and anti-cybercrime campaigns of the PNP and the national government.

Among others, the ACG will look into cybercrime and computer-related offenses, as well as cybersex, child pornography, and unsolicited commercial communication.

Cerbo said the creation doesn’t necessarily acknowledge the fact that cybercrime offenses have worsened, saying that the move was more of a preparation for possible circumstances.

“Given the popularity of cyberspace… there are criminal elements even in the cyberspace. So on our part, we have to be prepared sa mga ganitong pagkakataon,” Cerbo said.

The spokesman said the ACG will be composed of experienced personnel led by Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sosa.