Teen hacker nabbed in General Santos

MANILA, Philippines — A 16-year-old boy who allegedly hacked the computer systems of government agencies and private institutions has been arrested in General Santos City, according to the Anti-Cybercrime Group.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said the minor’s arrest was based on three warrants – to search, seize and examine computer data – issued by a local court.

The issuance of the warrants stemmed from the suspect’s posting of the information system and login credentials of two members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on April 18.

The warrants were served on the suspect on July 18.

Cariaga said the boy compromised the personal information and sensitive records of the PNP personnel.

Investigation showed the boy defaced the websites of several government agencies and private institutions, including schools.

Cariaga said the suspect started his illegal activities when he was added to a group of hackers on Facebook Messenger.

He warned hackers to stop their unlawful activities as they could face imprisonment, fines and a permanent criminal record.

“The PNP-ACG will continue to monitor these illegal online activities and will not stop until you are apprehended,” Cariaga said.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, are being readied against the suspect, police said.