The Baguio City Council is seeking stronger cybersecurity measures as the City advances its goal of becoming a smart city, with officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cordillera (DICT-CAR) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group emphasizing the need for greater public awareness, stronger defenses, and accessible reporting mechanisms.
The discussion was held during the City Council’s regular session on August 24, 2026 following the invitation of Councilor Vladimir Cayabas to representatives of DICT-CAR and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Cordillera (RACU-CAR) to brief the body on cybersecurity programs and the cybercrime situation in Baguio.
DICT-CAR Assistant Regional Director Allan Lao said the agency’s Cyber Security Program primarily focuses on cybersecurity awareness and literacy, educating residents on how to protect themselves from scams, cyberattacks, online victimization, and other cyber threats.
Lao said DICT also conducts hackathons and ethical hacking activities for students to develop cybersecurity skills that could eventually be used to protect government offices and other institutions.
Meanwhile, RACU-CAR Assistant Chief PLt. Col. Deo Gene Bongaoen reported that the unit had conducted 10 enhanced specific activities to increase cybercrime awareness through community, school, religious-sector, local government and other government activities.
Bongaoen said RACU also coordinates with the Department of Education on awareness programs concerning violent extremism.
He noted that many cybercrime victims are located in Baguio while the perpetrators are often outside the unit’s area of responsibility, making public awareness and proper reporting important components of cybercrime prevention and response.
Cayabas raised reports involving identity theft and scams targeting pensioners and senior citizens, asking the resource speakers what victims should do and where they could seek assistance.
Lao said victims may report cybercrime incidents through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center’s (CICC) 24/7 hotline at 1326.
He also disclosed that CICC is looking for a location to establish a frontline office in Baguio, with a DICT facility near the Post Office being considered. The proposed office would provide residents with a local venue where they could seek assistance on cybercrime-related concerns.
PMaj. Annika Mae Comising, team leader of the Baguio City Cyber Pods Team, said victims may also report certain cybercrime complaints at local police stations under PNP Memorandum Circular 2021-141.
She said RACU has conducted trainings for Baguio City Police Office personnel to equip them to receive and handle cybercrime complaints. Local police may refer cases to RACU or request technical assistance when necessary.
Comising said RACU may take over or assist in investigating cyber offenses such as phishing and illegal access, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Cayabas also raised the cybersecurity of the City Government itself, recalling an allegation that hackers had entered the City Government’s system. He clarified that based on the latest information available to him, the allegation was not true, but said the issue demonstrated the need for the City to strengthen its safeguards before an actual attack occurs.
Comising said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has a Cyber Security Unit that conducts threat assessments and security testing to identify vulnerabilities in information systems.
She explained that the process allows government agencies and other institutions to determine weaknesses in their systems so these can be addressed and strengthened before they are exploited.
Cayabas said the information presented indicated that Baguio’s cyberspace is generally okay but stressed that this should not result in complacency, particularly as the City continues to adopt digital systems and pursue smart-city initiatives.
He emphasized the need for continuous safeguards and preparedness, saying it is better to prevent a cyber incident than respond only after an attack has occurred. Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
