PH fends off 1,200 daily cyberattacks —PNP chief

The Philippines is facing a relentless wave of cyber threats, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) reporting that it fends off around 1,200 cyberattacks every day, while also struggling with being ranked No. 1 in the world for child online exploitation and guarding sensitive biometric data of its citizens.

This was highlighted by former PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil during a recent forum on cybercrime and artificial intelligence, underscoring both the scale of the threats and the gaps in defense.

“Ang problema ng cybersecurity at cybercrime, it’s about funding. Every day we are being attacked, 1,200 cyberattacks,” Marbil said.

(The problem of cybersecurity and cybercrime is about funding. Every day we are being attacked, 1,200 cyberattacks.)

PH ranks first in child exploitation cases

During the forum, Marbil acknowledged that the country continues to be a global hotspot for child online sexual exploitation, with international partners stepping in to help provide research and tools to monitor criminal activity.

“Number one po ang Philippine sa problema ng child exploitation. Yung European countries tumutulong sila magbigay ng research and development para makakita tayo ng mga problema sa dark web,” he said.

(The Philippines is number one in the problem of child exploitation. European countries are helping provide research and development so we can detect problems on the dark web.)

Biometric data at risk

He also pointed out that the PNP currently holds the biometric data of Filipinos, including fingerprints and facial recognition, but admitted vulnerabilities in managing this sensitive information.

“Bakit importante itong cybersecurity? Kayo lahat na Pilipino, hawak namin ang biometric data ninyo. Lahat. So, may time po, as the chief of the Philippine National Police, we have to protect your data. And maraming nawala, but of course, nabawi namin,” he said. 

(Why cybersecurity is important. We have the biometric data of all Fiipinos. All Filipinos. So there was a time when I was the chief of the Philippine National Police, we have to protect your data. But a lot of it was lost. But we were able to recover it.)

With this, he raised concerns about data privacy and protection of national databases, especially with growing risks of cyber intrusions.

Beyond technology and funding, he emphasized that citizen awareness remains the weakest link in cybersecurity, warning that even the best systems can fail if individuals are not vigilant.

“The weakest link here is the awareness ng ating mamamayan. Awareness is the frontline defense,” he stressed.

(The weakest link here is the awareness of our citizens. Awareness is the frontline defense.)

The PNP chief urged the public to practice caution online while the government works to strengthen defenses against cyberattacks and child exploitation networks.

The forum, organized by the Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines (CSCP), titled "Secure Horizons 2025" was held  at the Manila Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts.—LDF, GMA Integrated News