NBI to summon tech editor over hack claims

The National Bureau of Investigation presents to the media arrested alleged hackers of government and private websites on Friday, June 21, 2024. —INQUIRER.net photo/Arnel Tacson

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation is preparing to subpoena Manila Bulletin technology editor Art Samaniego Jr. in connection with recent hacking incidents targeting private companies and government websites, an official said on Sunday.

In an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Sean Michael Dangilan, deputy spokesperson for the NBI, said that the subpoena is based on an extrajudicial confession of one of the three men who were arrested at a hotel in Manila on June 19.

READ: NBI probes Manila Bulletin’s editor for alleged hacking

According to the NBI, the three men, who claimed to have been part of the Philippine LulzSec and Globalzec hacking groups, included a data officer of the Manila Bulletin, a cybersecurity researcher for a Taguig City company, and a graduating student. The NBI did not name the three suspects.

“We are in the process of readying what needs to be prepared for him to answer the allegations against him,” Dangilan said. He urged Samaniego to appear at the NBI to explain his side.

READ: 3 suspected hackers caught, tech journalist implicated

No charges yet

Authorities claimed the three were arrested for hacking websites of the military, National Security Council and several banks.

In his extrajudicial confession, the Manila Bulletin data officer claimed that some of the alleged hacks were carried out to provide content for Samaniego’s column and social media platforms.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, the Manila Bulletin has always adhered to the laws of the land and requires its employees to be law abiding,” Manila Bulletin said in a statement. “We expect our employees to be accorded their rights. We assure the public of Manila Bulletin’s utmost fidelity to the laws of the land.”