PNP, GCash warn public against free Wi-Fi

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in close coordination with GCash, has issued an advisory cautioning against the use of free Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can lead to mobile phone hacking, remote access, and account takeovers.

The leading finance app has expressed concern about the potential risks of connecting to free and unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots which may lead to millions of user accounts being vulnerable to cyber threats. Meanwhile, the PNP-ACG cautioned that these malicious free Wi-Fi hotspots are commonly found in hotel rooms, coffee shops, airports, and other public areas.

“While open Wi-Fi networks may offer the allure of free and easily accessible internet, it’s important to recognize that their open and unsecured nature also exposes users to vulnerabilities and cyber threats,” cautions PNP-ACG Director, PBGen Ronnie Francis Cariaga.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by Cariaga is the susceptibility of electronic devices to Man-In-The-Middle (MTM) attacks when connected to open Wi-Fi networks. “An attacker can intercept the communication flow between your devices and web browsers, potentially stealing sensitive information and even hijacking your device,” Cariaga said.
In light of these serious security risks, the PNP-ACG and GCash strongly advise the public to exercise caution and refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, individuals are encouraged to rely on secure mobile networks for their internet connectivity needs, particularly when traveling.

“Public and open Wi-Fi networks are risky because they often lack strong encryption, allowing cybercriminals to intercept data or distribute malware, and they may feature fake hotspots set up to steal information,” said GCash Chief Information Security Officer, Miguel Geronilla.

Users are encouraged to report incidents of scams, fraud, and cybercrime to the PNP-ACG through its hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116 or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.
To report a scam, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.(PR)

The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (RSSO 8) in collaboration with PSA Biliran and Local Government Unit and Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of Culaba, Biliran successfully registered constituents of said municipality thru the Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP).

A total of 52 Certificates of Live Births in Security Paper (SECPA) were awarded to the folks of Culaba, Biliran on the following barangays: Brgy. Binongto-an, Culaba – 16 SECPA; Brgy. Bool Central, Culaba – 26 SECPA;Brgy. Patag, Culaba – 5 SECPA; and Brgy. Bacolod, Culaba – 5 SECPA

PSA Regional Director Wilma A. Perante expressed her appreciation to the LGU of Culaba for their utmost cooperation in working hand in hand with PSA Biliran in capturing the unregistered individuals for them to finally get their legal proof of identity. She shared that BRAP will continue to reach out to municipalities to identify and encourage Filipino Citizens to register thru the BRAP. PSA Biliran Chief Statistical Specialist, Renavil V. Cueva commended the efforts of both PSA and the LCRO especially its Municipal Civil Registrar MCR, Alberto F. Fiel for the smooth implementation of the BRAP in their municipality benefiting those constituents who are not yet registered. Also present during the event were MCR of Cabucgayan, Biliran, Rosalie R. Agang, LCRO Naval – Assistant Registration Officer, Maria I. Turner and staff. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY– Human rights organizations have assailed the new “super body” created by the national government that is supposed to further champion human rights protection in the Philippines.

“The criticism against the ‘super body’ – that it is window-dressing, superfluous, unnecessary, etc. – has basis. The Philippine government does not need another agency on human rights, especially an agency that will only serve a propaganda purpose for the administration,” Carlos Conde, senior researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch, told Leyte Samar Daily Express via online interview on Monday(May 13).

“The ‘special committee’ is not only composed of people and agencies that have no proven track record on human rights – some of them were responsible in one way or another for the rights abuses in the Philippines in recent years,” he added.

He maintained that the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination is “designed to mislead the public and the international community about the human rights situation in the Philippines.”

This sentiment was also shared by Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of human rights group Karapatan.

“Touted as a new mechanism that comes after the UN Joint Program on human rights in the Philippines, Marcos Jr.’s human rights coordinating council is viewed as a tactic to evade accountability for the human rights violations committed during the previous and the current regimes,” she said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of the said special committee to carry out Administrative Order No. 22 to “enhance [government] mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.”

The super body will also be in charge of “sustaining initiatives and accomplishments of the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights in the areas of law enforcement, criminal justice, and policy-making.”

Signed on May 8 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Administrative Order 22 emphasized the formation of the special committee chaired by the Executive Secretary and co-chaired by the Department of Justice Secretary with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretaries as members.
The order will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, or a newspaper of general circulation.
(RONALD O. REYES)