‘Hacktivists’ to Aquino: We are watching you till 2016

Screengrab from nhcp.gov.ph (inset, President Benigno Aquino III)

Hackers on Friday defaced the website of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), challenging President Benigno Aquino III on Independence Day if he “has done enough for the country” in the five years of his administration.

The hackers identified themselves as Pinoy Vendetta, Anonymous Rizal, Magdalo Cyber Army and Ghost Security Hackers.

“Do you think you’ve done enough for the country? Do you think our economy improved? Or it became worse just like the previous Presidents’ reign (sic)? How about your pledge to end corruption? Where is the justice for the 44 fallen soldiers (sic)? We are seeking answers from you Mr. President,” the groups said in a message posted on the website.

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

The groups were apparently referring to the 44 slain Special Action Force (SAF) commandos, members of the Philippine National Police, who were killed in an encounter with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Maguindanao province last January after the SAF head failed to adhere to the ceasefire mechanisms as part of their counterterrorism operation.

The groups told President Aquino that in his last year as President, “We are hoping to attain the justice we deserve.”

“Mr. Noynoy Aquino III, we are watching you till the very end of your term. Expect us!” they said.

What security?

They also said, “security can’t stop our curiosity.”

As of 2 p.m. on Friday, the NHCP website had been restored.

Sought for comment, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said: “Whatever the message, we cannot condone the hacking of websites. The freedom of speech or a citizen’s right to redress of grievances must be exercised with responsibility.”

For his part, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said “the country’s economic gains have been recognized by the international community as the fruits of good governance under the Aquino administration.”

He also said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been working on the case of the SAF 44 to bring “to the bar of justice those responsible for the deaths of the SAF commandos.”

“The government is determined to pursue inclusive growth and justice for all, and would not be deterred by those who resort to dysfunctional acts,” Coloma said.

Hacking throwback

The website of the NHCP was one of the 38 government websites hacked on Nov. 2, 2013.

The hackers, who identified themselves as Anonymous Philippines, hacked these websites to demand for the abolition of the graft-ridden Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Among the sites hacked then were the websites of the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine National Railways, Insurance Commission and Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

On Nov. 13, 2013, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested hacktivist known as “Reaper” and “anonymousbutuan” from the Internet shop where he was employed in Butuan City. Rodel Plasabas was suspected of being part of Anonymous Philippines.