The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has strengthened its drive against digital financial crimes with the launch of its Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the renewal of its partnership with GCash. The event also introduced the Scam Assistance Hub, a project aimed toward facilitating the fast and straightforward filing of scam reports through an easy QR Code. These major initiatives are targeted to enhance law enforcement efforts in addressing emerging cyber fraud and scams for more timely and coordinated motion.
The PNP-ACG and GCash renewed their Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), first signed in 2022, which established a framework for cooperation on cybersecurity awareness, capability-building, and information-sharing.
This reaffirms the shared commitment of each institutions to handle financial cybercrimes and to strengthen consumer protection amid the continued growth of digital payments.
“Financial technology continues to evolve, and with it, the methods utilized by cybercriminals,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information and Security Officer at GCash. “We at GCash are honored to support the PNP-ACG in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcers through education. By sharing fintech-specific use cases, we aim to assist construct a more informed response force against digital financial threats.”
Supporting cyber defense frontliners across the country
The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook was created in partnership with GCash to enhance the efforts of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and ACG personnel by outlining key trends and schemes in financial cybercrime. Specifically, the handbook features modules on cybersecurity frameworks, cybercrime laws, financial investigations, fintech systems, and cryptocurrency fundamentals, ensuring officers are higher equipped to handle today’s digital crime challenges.
“These initiatives are a collective step forward in our continuing effort to guard Filipinos within the digital space,” said Brig. Gen. Bernard R. Yang, Director of the PNP-ACG. “Through strategic collaborations and timely learning tools, we’re constructing a law enforcement force that is prepared to handle today’s emerging cyber threats.”
Other key officials present on the ceremonial event were PNP-ACG Chief Investigative Officer PCol. Jay D. Guillermo, GCash Chief Information and Security Officer Miguel Geronilla, GCash Public Affairs Manager Mabel M. Niala, and GCash External Affairs Manager Jerome C. Lantin.
The handbook might be rolled out to regional units via virtual assemblies and video modules, aligning with the PNP’s ongoing modernization strategy and the National Government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NCSP sets the policy direction for a secure and resilient cyberspace within the Philippines.
This joint effort also comes on the heels of the recently released Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), a brand new law passed in July 2024 aimed toward curbing online scams and fraudulent financial activities.
The AFASA targets key financial crimes equivalent to social engineering scams and money muling, while also empowering institutions just like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to analyze suspicious financial activities. The Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook seeks to assist reinforce these regulatory updates by helping frontline police higher understand and implement provisions under AFASA.
Reporting scams made easier via QR
The event also marked the introduction of the Scam Assistance Hub (SAH), a brand new platform that simplifies scam reporting for the general public.
The SAH QR code connects users to the GCash SAH website, a platform where victims of online scams can file police reports, receive assistance, and process documentation for claims under GCash’s Express Send Scam Insurance.
This initiative ensures a more coordinated response between the PNP-ACG and GCash in handling fraud complaints and supporting affected users.
Constructing a future-ready police force
These efforts complement the PNP-ACG’s broader public education and prevention campaigns designed to construct digital literacy amongst each law enforcement and most of the people.
“Technology will proceed to evolve, and criminals will proceed to adapt,” Brig. Gen. Yang added. “These initiatives will assist in the long journey of strengthening our cyber defenses. What matters is that we’re moving forward along with stronger capabilities, a clearer direction, and a deeper resolve.”
The group reminded that while the SAH QR Code continues to be being prepared for deployment, any incidents of cybercrime and fraud can still be reported via the PNP-ACG’s hotline 1326 or via GCash’s app Help Center or through any of the official customer support channels. The general public can also follow PNP-ACG’s official social media pages for updates on its ongoing efforts to fight cybercrime and promote digital security nationwide.
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