DOJ, PWC organize training for cybercrime responders

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the efforts to mitigate cybercrimes in Cebu, the Department of Justice and the Provincial Women’s Commission held a three-day training to capacitate law enforcers who will respond to various cybercrime situations.

Thirteen commissioned officers from the Philippine National Police participated in the training, as well as a representative from the National Bureau of Investigation and two representatives from the PWC.

Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Lolita Lumanta of the Department of Justice said the Cybercrime First Responders’ Training, held last October 20-22, is important so that the law enforcers would know how to handle such cases.

“In Cebu the most common (cybercrime) is online child pornography,” she said.

Lumanta said the training involved investigation and preservation of pieces of electronic evidence like cellular phones, tablets, USBs and computers.

She said the selected participants were taught to recognize, identify and preserve the integrity of the evidence to be presented in court.

Aside from the preservation of evidence, Lumanta said the participants were taught on the substantive law and the rules of evidence.  Police Superintendent Richard Oliver of Bogo Police Station said he has not encountered cybercrime cases yet but he would know how to address such cases with the help of the training from DOJ and PWC.

Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, vice chairman of PWC, stressed the importance of the training in the campaign to boost and equip law enforcers in dealing with cybercrime cases.

“We need this training so much,” she said as she assured that law enforcers, who are the first responders, are more ready this time to solve cases of cybercrimes. — Mylen P. Manto/ATO (FREEMAN)