Manila-Taipei cyberwar threatens to escalate as PHL group vows 'operation'

A cyberwar between pro-Philippine and pro-Taiwan hackers threatened to escalate Sunday after a hacker group claiming affiliation with the hacktivist collective Anonymous vowed to get back at pro-Taiwan counterparts for attacking the Commission on Elections' website.

The Anonymous #Philippine Cyber Army claimed Comelec's website www.comelec.gov.ph, which was still inaccessible Sunday afternoon, remained under cyber-attack by Taiwan.

"Comelec is still under cyber attack by Taiwan. It has dealt great damage and delay on our government website, most especially on about our activities for the coming May 13 elections," it said.

But the group also hinted at a retaliatory attack against those it claimed are attacking the Comelec website.

The Comelec's website had contained a tool that could help voters find their precincts on Election Day.

"Be ready your keyboard guys, the OP will be launched soon," it said, but did not elaborate.

On Saturday, several Philippine websites were apparent victims of a distributed denial-of-service attack. Hours later, several Taiwanese websites were attacked.

The attacks came in the wake of a row between the Philippines and Taiwan last Thursday. A 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman was shot dead in the encounter in disputed waters. — LBG, GMA News