The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated on Monday that it is actively monitoring its online platforms and reinforcing defense against potential cyberattacks. The announcement follows a warning from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) regarding possible Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, planned for November 5 and targeting various websites and networks.
A DDoS attack occurs when malicious actors flood a website with traffic, causing it to slow, stagger, or crash. The DICT’s advisory is part of its efforts to urge government agencies and the public alike to remain vigilant. According to the DICT, while this impending threat is not a data breach incident, meaning no financial accounts or personal data are expected to be stolen, the disruption from an attack could still hamper online services.
PNP Secures Critical Digital Systems
PNP acting chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that the police force’s various units are collaborating with the DICT to bolster firewall defenses and check the integrity of both hardware and software systems. “We have different systems and in fact, we’ve been victims of that cyberattack, na‑compromise ‘yung ating data (our data was compromised), especially sa (in) logistics, the firearms, and others. And we are continuously protecting that,” Nartatez told reporters during a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. He added: “To protect our system ay ginagawa natin ang iba’t‑ibang activities like to ensure firewall, ensure the integrity of hardware, and even software.”
He further emphasized that the PNP is not only protecting technological infrastructure but also ensuring that the personnel who manage sensitive data are held to high standards of integrity. “Even ‘yung mga tao natin na gumagamit ng mga system na ito, either they are the administrator or recipient of this data. So, kailangan may integrity doon,” he said.
Among the digital systems under intense protection is the PNP’s e‑Warrant platform, a nationwide database of arrest warrants that allows officers to verify and act on cases in real time. Nartatez also mentioned the protection of the Situation Report and Incident Recording System (SIRAS), as well as the databases on firearms, explosives, and internal disciplinary cases under the Internal Disciplinary Mechanism Information System (INVIS).
He stressed that these interconnected systems “hold critical and sensitive data essential to police operations.”
Public and Agencies Urged to Stay Vigilant
The DICT’s warning, in advance of November 5, highlighted the date’s significance for cyber actors. According to Cybercrime Investigating and Coordinating Center (CICC) Acting Executive Director Renato Paraiso, November 5 is typically a global protest day widely used by hacktivists.
“It’s a very significant date, especially when it comes to the hacking community. It’s the fifth of November, which is a global symbol for protest, global day of protest,” Paraiso said. He explained that many hackers each year adopt a cause for their activism; this time, the subject of controversy surrounding flood control may be the trigger for potential website defacements or DDoS attacks.
Paraiso urged all government agencies to prepare for possible digital breaches and likewise encouraged the public to report any suspicious online activity, particularly service slowdowns or malfunctioning websites. “Kung may makita sila or naramdaman sila na meron hindi maayos o hindi gumagana sa serbisyo sa gobyerno pagdating sa digital aspect o sa mga websites nila, ipagbigay alam sa DICT at CICC hotline 1326,” he advised.
For its part, the PNP remains on high alert. Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti‑Cybercrime Group (PNP‑ACG), confirmed the organization’s readiness: “The PNP is in fact prepared for any possible cyberattack. We keep on reminding our units and personnel to always secure the different systems of the PNP,” Yang said. Meanwhile, Nartatez reaffirmed that, even absent a specific DICT warning, the PNP maintains constant vigilance in protecting its digital infrastructure.
