PNP nabs 121 for cybercrimes in October

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 121 people were arrested for cybercrimes in October, the Philippine National Police reported yesterday.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the suspects were arrested in high-impact operations in their intensified nationwide crackdown against cybercriminals.

“These accomplishments show the resolve of our cybercrime units to meet criminals where they operate – online,” he said in a statement.

Nartatez said 79 of the suspects were arrested through sting operations and 42 through implementations of warrants of arrest.

At least 20 people were convicted for cybercrime offenses last month, he added.

The police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) enforced 115 cyber warrants. It also filed 208 criminal complaints, which led to the rescue of 15 victims of online abuse and the protective custody of two children in conflict with the law.

The ACG also completed 262 forensic examinations while its units conducted 2,521 patrol operations nationwide.

Recently, the ACG got an added boost to its operational capabilities after it received equipment worth P11 million from the PNP Foundation Inc.

PNPFI trustee retired Col. Michael Ray Aquino led the donation of the equipment which consists of computers, printers, public address systems, projectors, closed-circuit television units, mountain bikes, digital single-lens reflex cameras and GoPRO devices.

“These donations are not mere objects of utility; they are instruments of trust and progress,” Nartatez said.