BOOSTING CAPABILITY. The architectural plan of the National Bureau of Investigation’s Western Visayas Digital Forensic Center (DFC) as shown during the during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2024). NBI Western Visayas acting Regional Director Atty. Jeremiah D. Sargado said the DFC is expected to contribute to improving national security, increase the capabilities for solving cyber-related cases, and enhance collaboration with other agencies and international partners to address digital crimes in the region. (Screengrab from NBI video)
ILOILO CITY – A Digital Forensic Center (DFC) will soon rise in Western Visayas to boost the capability of the National Bureau of Investigation in investigating and addressing issues on cybercrime.
“This building is purposely for cybercrime cases. It will cater to the Visayas as a whole because this is the first DFC building construction in Visayas,” said NBI Western Visayas acting Regional Director Lawyer Jeremiah D. Sargado during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday.
The regional director said construction for the PHP27.7-million facility is ongoing and eyed for completion in the next 10 months.
Once completed, it is expected to contribute to improving national security, increase the capabilities for solving cyber-related cases, and enhance collaboration with other agencies and international partners to address digital crimes in the region.
Meanwhile, the NBI reported that from January until August this year, it has received 44 complaints on violation of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, lower than the 84 complaints in 2023.
The most prevalent complaints are libel committed using social media platforms and online scams.
Sargado attributed the reduction in cybercrime cases to a massive awareness drive and being transparent with their actions to address the concern. (PNA)
