TACLOBAN CITY- Cybercrime is a “massive” global problem but the Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to respond to it.
Police Superintendent Ma Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the region, said this following their continued information drive on Republic Act (RA) 10175 also known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”
Rentuaya said that their Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) is ready to assist those who are victimized by various crimes through a computer or internet.
Cybercrimes include identity theft, bullying, illegal recruitment, human trafficking, pornography, fraud, scam, estafa, libel, threats, extortions, robbery, and terrorism, among others.
Police Chief Inspector Romenito Mondoñedo, head of RACU in the region, told the public to report any cybercrime incident through their hotline 0998-5988-113.
In a statement, he said the RACU can respond to cybercrimes through computer network log analysis and forensic examination of the computer, video, cellphone/mobile, and others.
To prevent from being victimized by cybercriminals, the police has issued “do’s and don’ts” to the public in accessing or engaging social media.
Important safety tips to consider in using social media are:
Change the Facebook (FB) password every month with a minimum of 12 special characters; do not accept friend invitations without scrutinizing the profile of the requester; be cautious in opening/clicking websites as it may contain viruses or may compromise your account; when placing an order through online shopping, make sure it is cash upon delivery (COD) and no advance payment should be made; only transact business with trusted sellers and do not deal with online networking; and social media accounts should not be publicized.
(RONALD O. REYES)
