2 govt sites defaced; anti-cybercrime law hackers deny involvement

At least two government websites were defaced early Sunday, but hacker groups protesting the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 denied involvement this time. The hacked sites were those of the Maritime Industry Authority (www.marina.gov.ph) and the Maritime Training Council (www.mtc.gov.ph).

While the MARINA website appeared to be hacked and defaced by "Ablaze Ever," the MTC site was attacked by "Teamr00t." "You have insulted and abused Islam and have mocked our beloved Prophet Muhammad... by releasing the video 'Innocence of Muslims.' (F)or this we will not remain silent! This video was deliberately release(d) not to bring peace and unity but to cause upset and insult amongst Muslims around the world," read the message on the defaced MARINA website. The hackers who attacked the MARINA site also said the hack was "not for sabotage, but to show solidarity for Muslim brothers and sisters around the world and to teach you the real message of Islam." On the other hand, the attackers of the MTC site said their hack was meant to protest rights violations. "Teamr00t Has Arrived!!! We are the voice for the suppressed people of the world, and we will show you the truth!" it said. But at least one hacker group allied with Anonymous Philippines said the collective was not behind the latest defacement. According to #pR.is0n3r, the government's information technology (IT) experts should check and restore the site. Also, #pR.is0n3r said Anonymous already gave its word it will halt attacks for now. "May isang salita yan. 'Pag sinabi naming hindi kami aatake, hindi kami aatake. 'Di namin sisirain ang prinsipyo at ipinaglalaban namin. Tahimik kami ngayon pero, Expect Us (We have our word of honor. When we say we will not attack, we will not attack. We will not break our word. We keep quiet for now but expect us)," it said. — LBG, GMA News