NBI intensifies efforts to combat cybercrime in N. Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation in Northern Mindanao (NBI-10) is ramping up efforts to address the growing number of cybercrime cases in the region, particularly those involving online scams and child exploitation.

Speaking at the "Kapehan sa Bagong Pilipinas" forum on Tuesday, NBI-10 Director Patricio Bernales emphasized the agency's focus on cybercrimes under Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. He noted that many of the complaints referred to their office involve fraudulent online activities.

"Online scams are the challenge of our times, driven by widespread internet and mobile technology access," Bernales said. "A good rule of thumb is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is."

NBI-10 Supervising Agent Chemene Nacua added that the agency is actively pursuing cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), with three cases filed this year and two convictions already secured. One of the convictions was handed down on Aug. 9, 2024.

Bernales also outlined plans to expand the agency's regional capabilities by establishing a forensic laboratory in a satellite office, which will further enhance their investigative efforts.

In addition to cybercrime, Bernales said the NBI-10 continues to prioritize cases involving human trafficking and extrajudicial killings, which he described as "behavioral crimes" that pose serious threats to public safety. (PNA)