Cyber crimes

Journal Editorial
FILIPINOS fear that the country, which is now acknowledged as the cellular telephone capital of the world, might be heading toward a period of “extraordinary boom” when it comes to the number of crimes being committed through the use of computers and mobile phones.

Statistics show that from only 37, 56, 161 and 527 in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, cyber crimes shot up to a record 1,843 last year. This brought to 2,624 the total number of crimes committed through the use of computers during the five-year period.

Observers attributed the increase to the growing number of people using computers and cellular phones, largely students and employees in the government and private sector, from the peaceful islands of Batanes in Northern Luzon to the scenic islands of Sulu in Mindanao.

The figure may not be that high considering the total number of the population (almost 89 million), but it is hard to take in a country where many of the people are poor, jobless and underemployed. Besides, the Philippines is known to be the only Christian country in Asia.

Between 2004 and 2006, the cyber crime unit of the 125,000-member National Police, now headed by Director-General Avelino I. Razon Jr., investigated 195 cases requiring computer forensics.

Computer and cellular phone forensics were used in a number of cases, including those filed against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, suspects in the murder of the late Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin and Magdalo soldiers.

The online crimes consist of, among others, credit card fraud, pornography, copyright infringement and computer crimes covered by Republic Act 8792 (E-Commerce Act) and RA 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act,
The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, in a briefing paper on cyber crimes, also claimed to have disabled 21 “phishing” sites based in the country. Chief Supt. Raul Castañeda heads the CIDG.

“Phishing” is an attempt to fraudulently obtain sensitive information, like user names, passwords and credit card details, by passing oneself as friendly and trustworthy through electronic communication.

CIDG and other concerned government agencies need additional manpower and financial resources to bolster the war against cyber crimes. At present, the PNP’s cyber crime unit only has nine operatives, But some 200 CIDG personnel have been trained to investigate cyber crimes.