By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman to identify those responsible for leaking the sensitive personal data of its field investigators.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has been ordered to investigate the breach and determine those accountable so charges can be filed.
“As an agency that is also involved in investigation and intelligence-gathering, we understand how serious this case is since this involves the safety of the concerned individuals,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Monday.
“We will look into this case with urgency and with a commitment to run after all those involved.”
The Ombudsman condemned the online disclosure of its investigators’ identities, saying it appeared intended to intimidate personnel and expose them to risk. It described the incident as a direct attack on public servants’ security.
Nartatez said the probe will also examine possible internal involvement within the Ombudsman as part of the cyber investigation.
The PNP chief said those responsible may face charges under the Data Privacy Act and the Anti-Cybercrime Prevention Act.
He also said legal action will be pursued once evidence is established and assured protection for government personnel facing similar threats.
“I assure that appropriate charges will be filed against individuals behind this leak of information. The PNP also assures all government officials and employees that the police force is ready to protect them against all kinds of threats to their security,” Nartatez said. (PNA)
