NPC asks public to calm down on passport data issue

National Privacy Commission (NPC) chairperson Raymund Liboro appealed on Tuesday to the public not to panic amid the passport data issue that sparked fear over the possibility of personal data breach.

"We are suspending judgment. Maging mahinahon lang po ang lahat. Ito naman pong bagay na ito malalaman din po natin. Maganda rin pong humalaw tayo ng aral sa insidenteng ito," Liboro said in an interview on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali."

Privacy Commissioner Liboro underscored that they are very careful in using the term 'personal data breach' as it is a legal definition with a particular scope.

"Ang personal data breach ay tungkol sa breach of security that would lead to an accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, or unauthorized disclosure of data," he said.

The government printer APO Production Unit, Inc. earlier denied breach and said that all data have been retrieved and restored as their IT personnel already found a solution.

Liboro welcomed the development but also noted that the NPC will only rely on official documents and statements to be gathered during their investigation.

The NPC will summon the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials, including its data protection officer, for a hearing on Wednesday.

The commission is ready to invite other agencies if deemed necessary, Liboro added. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA News