BPI, DOJ partner to fight cybercrime

MANILA, Philippines — Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continued to collaborate with the government to strengthen the country’s initiatives in combating financial cybercrimes.

The 172-year-old bank has embarked on a transformative journey with the Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC) by conducting cybercrime investigation trainings for prosecutors this year.

Jonathan John Paz, data protection officer and enterprise information security officer at BPI, said training sessions held in October in La Union and in early December at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay signify the inception of a crucial initiative aimed at combating financial cybercrimes.

“There has been progress in building collaboration between the government and the private sector. The most important among these are information sharing and awareness campaigns that seek to strengthen law enforcement against cybercrime,” Paz said.

BPI recognizes the imperative of a unified effort and ongoing partnership with government agencies to bolster cybersecurity.

Acknowledging that the private sector alone could not address this challenge, BPI emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to create an enabling regulatory environment for digital finance.

The listed bank believes strengthening partnerships with relevant government agencies is seen as pivotal, ensuring that cybersecurity becomes a shared responsibility rather than a mere checkbox requirement.

As BPI continues its proactive stance in cybersecurity, the Cybercrime Investigation Trainings are emerging as a beacon, guiding law enforcers, organizations, and the nation toward a more secure and resilient digital future.

The training with the DOJ-OOC serves as one of the driving forces to sustain a whole-of-nation approach in combating cybercrimes.

Tailored for prosecutors, the recent trainings focused on imparting essential knowledge and skills related to legal instruments on cybercrime and electronic evidence.

Through the partnership, BPI seeks to introduce and enhance participants’ understanding of financial cybercrime, including its facilitators, suppression, deterrence, and avenues for improving justice administration.

DOJ assistant secretary Arturo Malvar expressed optimism about the collaborative activities with the bank, envisioning a more collective, coordinated, and strategic cyber response.