7 election-related cybercrimes reported, so far

 

MANILA, Philippines — Seven cyber election-related incidents have been reported thus far, according to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG).

In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Wednesday, PNP-ACG Spokesperson Lt. Wallen Arancillo said four of the incidents stemmed from complaints from politicians.

The cases were for unjust vexation and libel in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Arancillo said.

“Mayroon ditong defamatory content na pino-post online tungkol sa kanila and nagca-cause ito ng damage sa reputation nila na nakakaapekto talaga sa darating na eleksyon,” she explained.

(There’s defamatory content here that’s being posted online about them and it’s causing damage to their reputations and it’s really affecting them for the upcoming election.)

“Mayroon din ditong tini-threaten pati pamilya nila. Mayroon ring ida-damage daw or magca-cause daw sila ng destructions doon sa properties,” she added.

(There are also those threatening their family. There’s also those threatening to damage or cause destruction to their properties.)

She detailed that the cases were in the Ilocos region, Western Visayas, Davao region and Caraga region.

According to Arancillo, the complainants were two mayors, one Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) members and one barangay captain.

Meanwhile, three other cyber election-related incidents were still being monitored by the PNP ACG.