Cybercrime complaints down by 35%, says PNP

The number of complaints for cybercrimes has decreased by 35% this year so far compared to the record in 2023, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Sa first semester po ng 2024, from January to June 27, ay nakita po natin na bumababa naman po 'yung mga kaso ng cyber-related crimes. In fact, from January 1 to [June] 27, 2024, there was a 34.99% decrease," PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday, citing data from the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG).

(In the first semester of 2024, from January to June 27, we saw that the cases of cyber-related crimes are decreasing. In fact, from January 1 to June 27, 2024, there was a 34.99% decrease.)

For the first quarter of 2024, the PNP earlier reported a 21.84% increase in cybercrime complaints compared to the record for the same period in 2023.

Despite the improvement, Fajardo still advised the public to be vigilant on cybercrimes.

The PNP said the prevalence of cybercrimes was due to increased online activity, sophisticated cybercrime tactics, and the public's lack of awareness.

PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil earlier said the police already intensified its drive against cybercrimes, allocating more resources and enhancing capabilities to combat the growing threat.

Fajardo on Tuesday said the PNP is still working on establishing anti-cybercrime desks in all police stations. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News