MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it is enhancing its information and communications technology (ICT) capabilities in response to growing espionage threats and attempts to breach its data systems.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajarodo, spokesperson for the PNP, said the force is upgrading both its software and hardware infrastructure, while also providing additional training to its personnel to address emerging cybersecurity threats.

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“Marami pong attempt to breach ‘yong data system ng PNP and hindi lang po kasi mga data ng PNP personnel po ‘yong ating iniingatan dito. Nasa atin po ang National Police Clearance, nasa atin po ‘yong Firearms and Explosives Office,” she said.

(There have been many attempts to breach the PNP’s data system, and it’s not just the data of PNP personnel that we are protecting. We also manage the national police clearance, as well as the Firearms and Explosives Office records.)

Fajarod said the PNP has already activated a Cybersecurity Operations Center, which will play a central role in securing its digital systems and responding to cyber incidents.

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“Meron na naman panibagong threat na hindi na kayang i-address po ng mga newly-procured ICT equipment natin so we really have to keep pace doon sa demand ng ICT-related crimes,” she said.

(There is a new threat that our newly-procured ICT equipment can no longer address, so we really need to keep up with the increasing demand related to ICT-related crimes.)

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In a separate statement, the PNP said has implemented strict security protocols to safeguard its installations and personnel. Access to police camps across the country is governed by stringent clearance procedures, which include thorough identification checks, verification processes, and continuous monitoring of movements within camp premises.

In addition to physical security measures, the PNP has ramped up its fight against cybercrime, with the the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), Directorate for Intelligence, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) working together to identify, track, and neutralize cyber threats.