The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has strengthened its drive against digital financial crimes with the launch of its Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the renewal of its partnership with GCash. The event also introduced the Scam Assistance Hub, a project aimed at facilitating the quick and easy filing of scam reports through a simple QR Code. These major initiatives are targeted to complement law enforcement efforts in addressing emerging cyber fraud and scams for more timely and coordinated action.

The PNP-ACG and GCash renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), first signed in 2022, which established a framework for cooperation on cybersecurity awareness, capability-building, and information sharing.

This reaffirms the shared commitment of both institutions to handle financial cybercrimes and to strengthen consumer protection amid the continued growth of digital payments.
“Financial technology continues to evolve, and with it, the methods used by cybercriminals,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information and Security Officer at GCash. “We at GCash are honored to support the PNP-ACG in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcers through education. By sharing fintech-specific use cases, we aim to help build a more informed response force against digital financial threats.”

The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook was created in partnership with GCash to complement the efforts of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and ACG personnel by outlining key trends and schemes in financial cybercrime. Specifically, the handbook features modules on cybersecurity frameworks, cybercrime laws, financial investigations, fintech systems, and cryptocurrency fundamentals, ensuring officers are better equipped to address today’s digital crime challenges.

“These initiatives are a collective step forward in our continuing effort to protect Filipinos in the digital space,” said Brig. Gen. Bernard R. Yang, Director of the PNP-ACG. “Through strategic collaborations and timely learning tools, we are building a law enforcement force that is ready to address today’s emerging cyber threats.”

Other key officials present at the ceremonial event were PNP ACG Chief Investigative Officer PCol Jay D. Guillermo, GCash Chief Information and Security Officer Miguel Geronilla, GCash Public Affairs Manager Mabel M. Niala, and GCash External Affairs Manager Jerome C. Lantin.

The handbook will be rolled out to regional units via virtual assemblies and video modules, aligning with the PNP’s ongoing modernization strategy and the national government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NCSP sets the policy direction for a secure and resilient cyberspace in the Philippines.

This joint effort also comes on the heels of the recently released Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), a new law passed in July 2024 aimed at curbing online scams and fraudulent financial activities.

The AFASA targets key financial crimes such as social engineering scams and money muling, while also empowering institutions like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to investigate suspicious financial activities. The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook seeks to help reinforce these regulatory updates by helping frontline police better understand and enforce provisions under AFASA.

The event also marked the introduction of the Scam Assistance Hub (SAH), a new platform that simplifies scam reporting for the public.

“We are moving forward together with stronger capabilities, a clearer direction, and a deeper resolve.”

The group reminded that while the SAH QR Code is still being prepared for deployment, any incidents of cybercrime and fraud can still be reported via the PNP-ACG’s hotline 1326 or via GCash’s app Help Center or through any of the official customer support channels. The public may also follow PNP-ACG’s official social media pages for updates on its ongoing efforts to fight cybercrime and promote digital security nationwide.(PR)

TACLOBN CITY– Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered on Wednesday, Oct.29, to local authorities and the military in Matuguinao, Samar, marking another step in the town’s continuing push for peace.

Alias “Banban” of Barangay Libertad turned over an M16 rifle, while alias “Jinky” or “Lanie” of Barangay Mahayag surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the 43rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jason Que.

The surrender was facilitated by the Matuguinao local government headed by Mayor Aran Boller whose been working to end communist armed conflict to his town, 123 kms from the regional center of Tacloban City.

Mayor Boller personally received the former rebels and commended their decision to return to civilian life. He also announced a P50,000 livelihood assistance for each surrenderer, which will be funded by the local government to help them rebuild their lives.

“These brave individuals made the right choice—to choose peace, return to their families, and help build a better Matuguinao,” Boller said in a statement.

The two former rebels have earlier completed custodial debriefing and orientation under the government’s amnesty and reintegration program held from October 21–23, 2025.
Mayor Boller has been active in anti-insurgency programs, frequently working with the military and national agencies to convince NPA members to lay down their arms.

Once considered an insurgency hotspot, Matuguinao, which has a population of more than 7,000 spread on its 20 barangays, has seen a steady improvement in peace and security under his administration.

Since he assumed his post as mayor seven years ago, Boller, who has survived a slay try by NPA rebels in 2018, reported of more than 200 communist sympathizers and rebel members have surrendered to him.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Thousands of residents from remote barangays in Catubig, Northern Samar received vital government services as the provincial government’s Kauswagan Caravan held its 37th leg in the municipality, reaffirming its mission to bring essential programs closer to communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The latest caravan stop covered Barangays Calingnan, Manering, Francisco, C.M. Recto, and P. Rebadulla, with the main activities held at Calingnan Elementary School. The event gathered local and national government officials, military units, and private organizations working together to deliver much-needed services to residents.

Leading the caravan was Governor Harris Ongchuan, joined by Second District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio, and other provincial and municipal officials. Also in attendance were PNP Provincial Director Col. Sonnie Omengan, 803rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Ericson Rosanna, and representatives from national agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.

The caravan offered free medical and dental services such as check-ups, circumcisions, and tooth extractions, along with legal consultations, civil registration assistance, and the distribution of vegetable seeds, tree seedlings, food packs, school supplies, toys, and other basic goods.

Residents from various barangays expressed gratitude to the provincial government for delivering programs directly to their communities, sparing them the long and costly trips to the town center.

Also participating in the event was the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion of the Philippine Army, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James L. Rosalejos, whose troops provided free haircuts and set up photo booths for attendees. Their involvement underscored the strong partnership between the military and civilian sectors in promoting peace and development in the province.

Governor Ongchuan said the Kauswagan Caravan will continue to reach out to remote and underserved areas across Northern Samar, ensuring that “no community is left behind in the province’s development efforts.”

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) will launch the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone in Eastern Visayas on November 5, 2025, marking a major step toward improving coordination among justice agencies in addressing online and sexual exploitation crimes against children.

The initiative, which covers the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, and Calbayog, aims to strengthen the region’s justice system in handling cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM).
Launching activities are scheduled simultaneously at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City, Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, and Calbayog City Sports Center in Calbayog City.
The three cities were selected after successfully meeting the criteria under the Justice Zone Components, which require at least 40 inter-agency reforms covering the entire criminal justice process—from case initiation and investigation to prosecution, adjudication, and post-judgment implementation.

The JSCC Technical Working Group on Processes and Capacity Building (TWG-PCB) led the assessment that determined the readiness of the three cities, with preparatory activities including stakeholder consultations, orientation sessions, and development planning workshops.

Once launched, the Eastern Visayas Tri-City Zone will become the seventh Specialty Justice Zone in the country, following similar initiatives in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz established in September 2024. These zones are part of the JSCC’s broader effort to promote localized, multi-sectoral coordination to address specific justice challenges within communities.

The JSCC, formed through a joint declaration on April 30, 2010, is composed of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its inclusion under Chapter 13 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 underscores the national government’s commitment to advancing peace, security, and the rule of law.

Through the establishment of the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone, the JSCC seeks to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and integrity within the justice system—ensuring that crimes against children, especially those involving online abuse and exploitation, are addressed with coordinated and specialized action.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)