In response to the continuously evolving tactics of scam syndicates, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines is actively pushing for the revision of laws related to combating cybercrime, to more effectively address emerging cyber threats.
Minister Ivan Uy pointed out that although the implementation of the "SIM Card Registration Act" has helped identify some fraudulent activities, scam texts and related criminal activities have recently resurged.
Criminals have begun to use new technologies and devices to evade tracking, posing challenges to traditional law enforcement methods.
Ivan Uy stated, "We have dismantled many large-scale telecom fraud centers, but they are now dispersing into small teams, conducting guerrilla-style operations, and frequently moving to avoid crackdowns. This change has forced us to adjust our strategies to ensure we can more effectively capture them."
He specifically mentioned a new type of scam called "drive-by hacking." Hackers access public area networks through parked vehicles to illegally infiltrate victims' mobile devices.
He noted that most devices used for these crimes are illegally smuggled into the country, and related law enforcement actions have arrested several suspects.
To address these complex cybercrime tactics, DICT is strengthening on-site law enforcement and collaborating with Congress to push for revisions to cybercrime laws.
Ivan Uy mentioned that the new legislation will reference comprehensive approaches from other countries, covering various cyber offenses including cybercrime, scams, and hacking attacks, aiming to impose strict sanctions on any cyber illegal activities.
"Whether it is cybercrime or online activities that infringe on others' rights, we will take action to ensure they are legally punished," Ivan Uy added. He stated that DICT will continue to enhance both technical and legal measures to maintain public cybersecurity.
