Police anti-cybercrime agents were tapped to fully activate the cyber defense protocols of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the warning issued by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on possible Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) cyberattack on Nov. 5.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said their Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) was also tasked to establish round-the-clock coordination centers with the DICT, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Cyber Group to ensure the continuity of essential public services and preempt any attempts at online sabotage.

“We are sharing real-time intelligence and threat assessments with our counterparts to ensure any potential cyber threat is detected and addressed early,” Nartatez said.

The DICT earlier warned that the potential DDoS cyberattack on Nov. 5 could slow down or temporarily disable certain websites and applications.

The DICT, however, clarified that the incident, if it occurs, will not involve a data breach or theft of personal information.

But the PNP wants to make sure that there will be no opportunity for that as he noted that inter-agency vigilance is the core of the nation’s defense against emerging digital threats.

To reinforce the organization's defenses, Nartatez confirmed that all police units nationwide have been instructed to execute mandatory security protocols.

“Our networks are being continuously assessed and reinforced. We have strengthened our firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data protection protocols. We also directed all units to enable multi-factor authentication, conduct regular data backups, and immediately patch system vulnerabilities,” Nartatez emphasized.

Beyond internal measures, he said the PNP has activated additional cyber patrol and monitoring teams tasked to scan online spaces for suspicious movements or coordinated disinformation.

“We are ready to respond quickly to any cyber incidents or attempts to spread panic through fake news,” he said.

Nartatez, however, warned individuals who may be planning malicious activities, “We will track, investigate, and prosecute anyone who attempts to undermine public peace and national security.”