Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announces on Friday, February 23, 2024, that the official Facebook page of the local government was hacked and inaccessible since February 21. (Photo from the Facebook account of the Marikina Public Information Office)
MANILA, Philippines — The official Facebook page of the Marikina City Government has been hacked, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced Friday.
According to the local chief executive, city hall employees, particularly those from the Public Information Office (PIO), have been unable to access the Marikina PIO Facebook page since Wednesday. The local government uses the social media page to disseminate information, including notices on possible flooding during monsoon season.
“The ‘Marikina PIO’ Facebook page has been hacked by unscrupulous individuals, rendering it inaccessible to our PIO personnel,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“Our official Facebook page became inaccessible to our staff on February 21, 2024,” he added.
Teodoro said the cyberattack has affected the city’s operations because it is the main channel used to deliver information to residents of Marikina.
READ: Valenzuela City Police Station’s official Facebook page hacked
READ: DSWD says FB page of its field office in Central Visayas hacked
READ: DILG Region 10 FB page hacked
In the meantime, Teodoro asked his constituents to message the Marikina City Rescue 161 for concerns.
“This cyberattack on the city’s official communication channel has affected our ability to provide unhampered assistance to the people of Marikina. In the meantime, you may message the Marikina City Rescue 161 Facebook page for any concerns. We will continue to provide information and much-needed assistance to our constituents,” he said.
“Rest assured, those behind this hacking will face the full force of the law. The local government of Marikina is now coordinating with the local police to identify the individuals behind this,” he added.
The Marikina PIO’s Facebook page has played an important role for Marikina residents and media personnel alike, especially during the country’s wet season. During storms and typhoons, the Facebook page livestreams the situation of the Marikina River, providing people with an outlook on its water level and the imminent flooding of the city.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government’s Facebook page was also used to remind people of health protocols and locations of vaccination sites.