Authorities thwart election-related system hack; arrest 3 suspects
Essential to the mandate for a clean and honest local and national elections, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) together with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), conducted an entrapment operation in Imus, Cavite, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna against notorious hackers, “XSOX Group”, claiming to have illegally accessed the Smartmatic System.
This successful operation has guaranteed the deterrence of possibly influencing the results for the upcoming May 9 polls.
“This is a proof that the public can give their full trust to the PNP organization in securing the people’s votes from being altered—that may endanger the integrity of the elections,” PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos said.
During the operation, three persons were apprehended: (1) Joel Adajar ILAGAN alias “Borger”; (2) Adrian De Jesus MARTINEZ alias “Admin X”; and (3) Jeffrey Cruz LIMPIADO alias “Brake/Vanguard/Universe/LRR”
They will face charges relating to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) specifically by:
1. Hacking of SMARTMATIC System;
2. Disrupting the COMELEC website;
3. Hacking the NAPOCOR website;
4. Hacking of credit cards and other online transactions; and
5. Ransomware committed against some local commercial websites.
Criminal cases were lodged against the three suspects through the assistance of the Department of Justice, and the National Prosecution Service.
“In light of this huge achievement, the PNP will continue to closely monitor the online activities directed to manipulate the election results,” Carlos assured the public.
The positive outcome of this operation is made possible through the collaborative efforts of various PNP units and other law enforcement agencies, the Chief PNP said.
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