DFA warns hackers on use of ill-gotten government documents

MANILA, Philippines -  Following the leak of transcripts of a supposed conversation between President Duterte and US President Donald Trump, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned hackers of criminal and civil liability attached to the use of illegally obtained confidential government documents.

The DFA refused to comment on the story that is making the rounds online.

“Under Philippine law, there is criminal and civil liability attached to the hacking, unauthorized disclosure and use of illegally or inadvertently-obtained confidential government documents,” the DFA said in a statement.

Trump praised Duterte for doing “an unbelievable job” in his war on drugs, even as human rights groups accused him of sanctioning murder and extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

“We note that President Duterte and President Trump have a good and warm working relationship. And we are confident it will continue to be nurtured towards a positive direction for the benefit of the longstanding partnership,” the DFA said.

The Philippines reiterated its support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and encouraged the parties to continuously engage in peaceful dialogue.

“While we value the need for transparency and the people’s right to information, release of certain pieces of information, whether accurate or inaccurate, can affect national security and regional peace and stability,” the DFA said. “As such, we appeal to the sense of responsibility and patriotism of all concerned.”