PNP denies cybercrime surge

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) belied yesterday the results of a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showing a spike in cybercrime cases.

The PNP said official data from the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) indicated that cybercrime cases dropped in the past months.

At a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the ACG verified the figures cited in the SWS survey.

“With due respect to SWS, we are not sure about their sources or who their respondents were,” Fajardo said.

Data from the ACG showed that cybercrime cases in the second quarter of the year went down to 3,704 from 4,354 cases recorded in the first three months of 2024, or a drop of 14.86 percent.

ACG data showed that from July to September, cybercrime cases decreased by 5.78 percent from the previous quarter.

“We are showing these numbers in the interest of transparency,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo clarified that while there was a minor uptick in July, the general trend remained downward, according to the ACG’s official records.

Police said the data presented by the ACG contradicted the SWS findings.

According to the SWS poll, families who were victimized by cybercrime such as online scams, hacking or cyberbullying reached a “record high” in September.

The survey said families victimized by cybercrime nationwide rose from 3.7 percent in June to 7.2 percent in September.

Gun audit

Meanwhile, the PNP has started a nationwide accounting of registered firearms, prioritizing approximately 2,000 holders of Type 5 licenses, which allow possession of more than 15 guns.

The verification will be carried out by personnel from regional civil security units, who will visit the licensed gun holders.

Fajardo said the auditing of licensed firearms, spearheaded by the Civil Security Group, aims to enhance security ahead of the 2025 midterm elections as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s parliamentary election.

Fajardo said the move is intended to promote public safety and ensure compliance with Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law.