Antique Provincial Police Deputy Director for Operations Angelo Pueblos urged the police officers and other stakeholders present during the orientation to maximize their learnings and be responsive to clients coming to their stations for help.

“Huwag na natin ituro sa iba kung kaya natin gampanan ang kanilang reklamo, gawin na natin,” Pueblos told the police officers.

With this orientation, Pueblos hoped that the police officers will be equipped with knowledge and skills in responding to complaints relating to cybersecurity and data privacy.

With Española is the pool of trainers on cybersecurity and data privacy from DICT Region 6, Elvin Bautista, who discussed the data privacy overview; Engr. Joshua Mallada who tackled Cybersecurity Awareness; and James Laurance Locara who shared the National Cybersecurity Plan 2028.

Provincial Director lawyer Ramil Quinto of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) noted that the laws on cybersecurity and data privacy were enacted way back in 2012, pointing out the need for law enforcement agencies to double time in understanding the law to cope with the demands of time.

For NBI, Quinto said that an estimate of two to three cases of cybercrime was brought to their attention everyday ranging from cyber libel, illegal access, forgery, identity theft, and many more complaints.

He also acknowledged the important role of the PNP given the fact they have frontline services in every municipality receiving complaints from the people.

To him, the police force could be the first responders who can guide the clients/victims of cybercrime seeking their help.