AFP urges responsible behavior after editor tagged in hacking its site

The National Bureau of Investigation presents to the press arrested alleged hackers of government and private websites on Friday, June 21, 2024. INQUIRER.net photo / ARNEL TACSON

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday is urging those involved in the hacking of its website allegedly at the behest of a newspaper editor to be “responsible” and stop their “cyber aggressions.”

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, who is also a cybersecurity expert, remarked as the National Bureau of Investigation arrested three individuals who were involved in hacking private and government websites — including AFP and the National Security Council (NSC) — as well as banks and Facebook accounts.

READ: NBI arrests media outlet’s data officer, 2 others for hacking gov’t websites

One of the hackers is a data officer for a media outlet, who alleged that the IT editor of a media organization allegedly ordered him to hack websites to use as content for his column, news articles, and social media platforms.

“We urge [them] to cease cyber aggressions and engage in responsible behavior in the digital sphere,” Padilla said in a statement.

Padilla said the AFP is also ready to cooperate with relevant government agencies in countering these threats through coordinated efforts, intelligence sharing, and advanced technological measures.

She also said the revelation is a “stark reminder” on the persistent threat the military faces.

“This case  serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats we face in the cyber domain. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the consequences of failing to address these adversities effectively,” she added.

INQUIRER.net sought the NSC’s reaction, but no response yet as of this posting.