The Philippines, like any other country around the world, is increasingly adopting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in its economic, government and social activities.
The dependence on ICT however, makes us vulnerable to different forms of security threats such as malwares, botnets, denial of service attacks, phishing and other types of identity theft, computer-related forgery and fraud, child pornography, copyright infringements and cyber terrorism.
In response to the mounting threats on the country’s cyber space and critical infrastructures, the country needs to strengthen its legal framework, international cooperation, public and private partnership, advocacy and public awareness.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) through its current Chief, PNP and in line with the PNP’s strategic thrust, saw a need to enhance the organization’s capabilities and capacities in addressing cybercrime that paved the way for the creation of the PNP Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG).
The PNP ACG started its humble beginnings when the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) formed in 2003 under the Anti-Transnational Crime Division (ATCD) the Cybercrime Section where it started without computers, computer forensic equipment, trained cyber investigator, digital forensic examiner or cyber forensic laboratory.
In order for the PNP to establish a credible cybercrime unit within CIDG, it conducted consultations and networking with various international law enforcement agencies, ICT industries, the academes and other stakeholders.
In line with the program of the Task Force for the Security of Critical Infrastructures (TFSCI) under the Office of the President of the Philippines, the Government Computer Security Incident Response Team (GCSIRT) was launched on August 5, 2004. GCSIRT through the Anti-Transnational Crime Division of CIDG, became the focal point for reporting all internet-related security breaches and coordinated support systems to respond to such threats across all government agencies.
Moreover, a cyber training laboratory was established on December 9, 2011 to conduct specialized technical training to CIDG police personnel.
Finally, on February 27, 2013 the PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group with official acronym “PNP ACG”, was activated as a National Operational Support Unit primarily responsible for the implementation of pertinent Philippine laws on cybercrimes and advocating the anti-cybercrime campaign of the PNP.
