LOOK: Hackers deface gov’t website twice, leave message for Aquino

Screengrab from https://nhcp.gov.ph/

Filipino hackers commemorated Independence Day on Friday by defacing the website of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and leaving a message for President Benigno Aquino III.

The hackers identified themselves as members of the following groups: Pinoy Vendetta, Anonymous Rizal, Magdalo Cyber Army and Ghost Security Hackers.

The first hack showed a message written in Filipino. Later in the morning, however, it was replaced by a message written in English.

Titled “Message to the President,” the post questioned Aquino’s efforts to bring positive change in the country.

“Greetings Mr. President. It’s been five years since you’ve been elected on your position. And since then, we have been observing you carefully,” the post read.

“In those years, Do you think you’ve done enough for the country? In those years, Do you think our economy improved? Or it became worst just like the previous presidents’ reign.”

The hackers then asked Aquino, “How about your pledge to end the corruption? Where is the justice for the 44 Fallen soldiers? We are seeking answers from you Mr. President.”

READ: Hackers attack gov’t sites, call for justice for slain SAF men

The “44 Fallen soldiers” refers to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force who died last January 25, during the so-called Mamasapano operation. Aquino was accused of allowing then PNP chief Alan Purisima to direct the operation, despite being suspended for his alleged involvement in an anomalous transaction.

Filipino and foreign hackers have been defacing government websites in a bid to send a message to government officials or to call on the public to protest against corruption.

In 2013, Anonymous Philippines made headlines after it defaced at least 30 government websites as it called for the scrapping of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). That was at the height of the exposés on the pork barrel scam.

READ: What Went Before: Anonymous Philippines | ‘Hacktivist’ tagged in defacing gov’t websites during DAP protests falls