CICC asks IT experts to help protect Filipino youth from online threats

National

HELP is what the government is seeking from those who know the internet’s hidden corners best.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is urging ICT experts, hacking communities and computer forums to come forward and assist authorities in protecting Filipino youth from online threats.

CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato Paraiso made the appeal during a DZBB interview on Sunday, September 20, acknowledging that the government has limitations in monitoring and gathering intelligence from underground online communities.

“Sa ating mga kapatid, sa ating mga kasamahan, sa ating mga kaibigan sa mga iba’t-ibang mga ICT communities, hacking communities, computer forums, kung may alam kayo or may access dito, mag-come forward kayo,” Paraiso said, as quoted by Philstar.

He also appealed for cooperation in protecting young people, saying the government should work with these communities to prevent another incident involving a child.

The CICC’s call comes as authorities confront the difficulty of accessing and monitoring closed online communities, including those operating within the dark web.

Paraiso explained that while authorities have tools for monitoring activity on more accessible parts of the internet, deeper intelligence gathering requires investigators to establish credibility within closed forums. Obtaining the credentials and trust needed to enter such communities can take years, he said.

The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not accessible through standard web browsers and generally require specialized software or configurations. While the technology itself is not inherently illegal, authorities have raised concerns about underground spaces where illicit activities and anonymous communities operate.

According to Paraiso, some underground forums are used by hacking groups, illegal firearms sellers and other anonymous groups. Their restricted nature can make it difficult for authorities to monitor activity from within.

The issue gained renewed attention following a deadly school shooting in South Cotabato on September 19 involving a 14-year-old student. The incident left three people dead, including the shooter.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators found that the student had been heavily involved in activities on what he described as the “deep dark web.”

“Upon investigation, he was heavily into the deep dark web. He was into the deep dark web, which influenced him,” Remulla said in the same article.

He added that the student’s phone contained several notes about his depression, describing the contents as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.

The CICC is now seeking greater cooperation from people with knowledge of or access to underground online communities as authorities work to strengthen their ability to identify potential threats and protect young people online.(MyTVCebu)