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Cybercrime cases continue to rise, up 21.84 percent in Q1

Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine Star

April 10, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Cybercrime cases rose by 21.84 percent in the first quarter of 2024,
according to the police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG).
From January to March, the ACG recorded 4,469 cybercrimes compared to 3,668 cases during
the same period in 2023.
The top three crimes that contributed to the spike were online selling scams at 990 cases, debit
and credit card fraud at 309 and investment scams at 319, ACG director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia
said in a statement.
Increased online activity, sophisticated cybercrime tactics and the public’s lack of awareness
could be the causes for the rise in cybercrimes, he added.
The increasing reliance on online platforms for shopping, financial transactions and investment
opportunities has created a larger pool of potential targets for cybercriminals, Hernia noted.
“As cybercriminals continuously refine their tactics, there is a pressing need for individuals to
educate themselves about cybercrimes,” he said.
To avoid becoming a cybercrime victim, Hernia urged the public to monitor news reports on
cybercrimes and be familiar with red flags in online transactions.
Meanwhile, Quezon City police arrested on April 4 a man who threatened to publicize an
intimate video he secretly recorded.
The suspect, alias Jes, demanded P10,000 from the victim he met on dating app Tinder. He
received P6,000 and demanded more.
He is facing criminal charges of robbery with intimidation of a person and violation of the Safe
Spaces Act, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Law.
 Social media users charged over Marcos deepfake

Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine Star

May 15, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Social media users who uploaded a deepfake audio recording of
President Marcos are facing cybercrime charges filed by a group of social media influencers.
The group has been advised to submit requirements showing they are authorized to file the
complaint on behalf of the President, said police Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG) cyber response
unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo.
The Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcaster ng Pilipinas Inc. (KSMBPI), led by chairman
Michael Raymond Aragon, filed a complaint before the ACG against persons who uploaded
copies of the deepfake on social media.
They have been charged with unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances
under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with Republic Act 10175 or the
Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The audio deepfake had Marcos ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intervene if
China posed a threat to the country.
Aragon said they, as private citizens, are within their rights to file complaints against people
spreading falsehoods on social media, especially when national security is at risk.
Anna Tan, KSMBPI legal counsel, said they have identified around 10 persons responsible for
uploading the deepfake on four or five social media sites.
The group had to take action as some social media users were spreading false information using
artificial technology, Tan added.
The government earlier said a foreign actor is likely behind the audio deepfake.