3 held for Navy database breach

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested three men for allegedly hacking into the Philippine Navy’s database, the NBI announced yesterday.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said operatives arrested “Newbiexhacker” on July 8.

The suspect had a code-protected file containing sensitive information from the Navy’s database, according to Santiago.

The NBI chief said the file was sent to Newbiexhacker by another suspect, “Haxinja,” who also held the access code.

The NBI’s Cybercrime Division arrested Haxinja during a sting in Cagayan de Oro City on July 16. The CCD organized the operation in coordination with the NBI-Northeastern Mindanao Regional Office and Navy representatives.

Haxinja confirmed his possession of the passcode to the Navy file to an informant when they discussed collaborating on an e-commerce website.

Following his arrest, Haxinja provided access to the file, which was verified as strictly confidential, the NBI said.

Haxinja’s flash drive contained documents and photos obtained from the Philippine Navy database, according to the bureau.

On the same day of Haxinja’s arrest, another suspect, “D4rkJ1n,” was arrested in Cubao, Quezon City.

The suspect attempted to flee the area with a motorcycle taxi but was apprehended at the intersection of EDSA and Main Avenue.

The suspects were charged with violating Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; RA 10173, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and RA 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000.