16-YEAR-OLD HACKER NABBED

OPERATIVES of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested in General Santos City a 16-year-old boy accused of hacking activities.

Alias “Jun” was arrested based on Warrants to Search, Seize and Examine Computer Data issued against him by the General Santos City 11th Judicial Region for violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

According to the PNP-ACG, the warrants were issued following a complaint on April 18, stating that the accused posted the information system login credentials of two police personnel on his Facebook account, thereby compromising the personal information and sensitive PNP records of the affected policemen.

Further investigation showed that alias “Jun” also  defaced the websites of several government and private agencies and schools in the region.

The PNP-ACG said that the young suspect’s initial involvement in hacking reportedly began when he was added to an FB Messenger group of a hacker group.

Authorities said they are now examining the digital devices seized from the suspect to gather more evidence against him.

PNP-ACG director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga warned that engaging in illegal access could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

“Stop your unlawful activities now. The PNP ACG will continue to monitor these illegal online activities and will not relent until you are apprehended,”  the official said.