The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scoffed Thursday, June 24, at "unfounded" and "patently false" claims that it has been involved in cyberattacks on alternative media.
The DOST issued a statement in the wake of media reports that the IP (Internet Protocol) address used to initiate recent alleged cyberattacks towards some media was traced to the DOST.
"The implication of DOST’s involvement in said cyberattacks is unfounded and patently false," it said in a statement.
The department even explained its crucial role in the government's information and communications technology (ICT) management.
"As part of DOST’s responsibility and mandate in terms of ICT management, DOST-ASTI (Advanced Science and Technology Institute) is part of a larger government network and DOST-ASTI assists other government agencies by allowing the use of some of its IP addresses in the local networks of other government agencies," it said.
"Given this, the statement that DOST potentially took part in initiating the alleged cyber-attacks is false," the DOST pointed out.
It said the reported involvement of the agency in the cyberattacks hurled against alternative media "was solely based on the tracked IP address and does not translate to the Department’s involvement in the matter."
"DOST remains committed to working towards a progressive Philippines, with science in full service of the Filipino people."