MAYNILA. Naglunsad ng joint naval drills sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan, at Estados Unidos upang palakasin ang kanilang kakayahan sa pagtugon sa tumitinding agresyon sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo.
Ayon kay AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., ang naturang “Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity” (MMCA) ay isang sama-samang maritime drill na naglalayong patibayin ang interoperability ng magkakaalyadong bansa.
“There’s a long line of countries in the past who have attempted to test U.S. resolve. We are resolved at this time, at this moment, to work with our partners, to reestablish the warrior ethos, to rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence, and come alongside our allies and partners,” pahayag ni US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth sa kanyang pagbisita sa Pilipinas nitong Biyernes.
Gayunpaman, nilinaw ni Hegseth na bagama’t determinado ang Estados Unidos sa pagpapalakas ng kanilang puwersa, hindi umano nais ni US President Donald Trump ng digmaan kundi kapayapaan.
Sa ginanap na naval drills, ginamit ng AFP ang guided missile frigate na BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AW-109 helicopter, C-90 aircraft, at search and rescue assets ng Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Samantala, nagpadala ang Japan ng multi-mission frigate na JS Noshiro (FFM-3) at maritime helicopter SH-60K, habang nag-deploy naman ang Estados Unidos ng kanilang missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH-60R, at maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon.
“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness,” ani Gen. Brawner, binibigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng mga ganitong pagsasanay sa pagpapalakas ng depensa ng bansa sa karagatan.
Ang nasabing naval exercise ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap ng Pilipinas at mga kaalyadong bansa na ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan sa WPS sa harap ng patuloy na tensyon sa rehiyon.
Jason Statham trades in his usual high-tech spy gear for a hard hat and steel-toe boots in A Working Man, an action-packed thriller that blends blue-collar grit with bone-crunching vengeance. Directed by David Ayer, known for his tough-as-nails crime dramas, and co-written by Sylvester Stallone, the film is a brutal, relentless ride that plays to Statham’s strengths—mainly, taking down bad guys in the most efficient and violent ways possible.
A Reluctant Hero Pulled Back Into the Fight
When the film opens, Statham’s character, Levon Cade, is laying low as a construction worker in Chicago, ensuring that concrete is mixed correctly and rebar is in place. But we all know that Statham isn’t here to build skyscrapers—he’s here to break bones.
His past as a highly skilled anti-terrorist commando for the UK’s Royal Marines comes rushing back when his boss’s 19-year-old daughter is kidnapped during a night out. At first, Cade refuses to get involved. “I’m a different person now,” he insists. “It’s not who I am anymore.” Of course, this declaration comes right after he single-handedly takes down a gang harassing his coworker—using nothing but a bucket of nails, an axe, and a bag of gravel.
A visit from an old military buddy, played superbly by David Harbour, changes everything. “God help them,” Harbour’s character mutters when Cade finally agrees to go after the kidnappers, fully aware of the chaos that will follow.
A Brutal Hunt Through the Criminal Underworld
Cade’s pursuit takes him deep into the seedy underworld of human traffickers, Russian mobsters, corrupt cops, and a biker gang led by a sadistic kingpin who literally sits on a throne made of motorcycle parts. The film is packed with brutal, creative fight sequences—waterboarding, stabbings, skull-smashing, and even a torture scene where Statham casually munches on toast while interrogating a mob boss who is hogtied over his own swimming pool.
“All of this is for a girl?” one incredulous villain sneers, unable to comprehend Cade’s relentless pursuit. Yes, it is—for her and the principle of the thing.
The Working-Class Avenger vs. The Wealthy Villains
The film leans heavily into its blue-collar ethos. Cade, with his orange safety vest and no-nonsense attitude, is framed as the righteous underdog battling a world of elitist villains. The upper-echelon criminals are decked out in cravats, gold-tipped canes, and absurdly pretentious outfits straight out of an *’80s crime flick. One even sports a cape and a cigarette holder, exuding cartoonish levels of wealth and villainy.
The big finale unfolds in an extravagant, hidden casino packed with the city’s most corrupt power players. Cade storms in, dispensing justice the only way he knows how—with bullets, fists, and sheer unstoppable willpower.
Action, Carnage, and Just Enough Heart
While A Working Man delivers on the action front, its attempt at emotional depth is hit-or-miss. Cade, a widower and single father, is desperately trying to regain more custody of his daughter, who is being kept away by in-laws who claim he suffers from PTSD. “I hurt, too,” he tells his daughter in one of the film’s rare tender moments.
The film’s pacing stretches thin at times, especially during a ludicrously excessive motorcycle chase where Cade is shot at more times than soldiers during the Battle of Fallujah. However, a bright spot comes in the form of the kidnapped teen, played by Arianna Rivas, who isn’t just a helpless damsel—she fights back in a way that suggests she’s someone to watch out for in future roles.
Final Verdict: Let Statham Work, Man
At its core, A Working Man is exactly what audiences expect from a Jason Statham action movie—pure, unfiltered carnage wrapped in a story of righteous vengeance. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it knows its audience well. “You killed your way into this,” Cade’s buddy warns him. “You’re gonna have to kill your way out of it.”
And that’s exactly what he does.
“A Working Man”, an Amazon MGM Studios release, hits theaters this Friday. It is rated R for strong violence, language throughout, and drug content. Running time: 116 minutes. Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars.
MAYNILA. Pinabulaanan ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ang mga ulat na nagsasabing nagpakamatay ang dalawang magsasaka sa Nueva Ecija dahil sa mababang presyo ng palay.
Batay sa imbestigasyon ng NBI, walang naitalang kaso ng pagpapakamatay sa bayan ng Talavera, taliwas sa mga lumabas na ulat. Gayunman, kinumpirma ng ahensya na may dalawang kaso ng suicide sa bayan ng Guimba noong Marso 12 at Marso 18, 2025.
“‘Yung una, ayon sa asawa niya, may sakit siya. Nahihirapan na at lagi niyang sinasabi na gusto na niyang tapusin ang buhay niya,” pahayag ni NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
Nilinaw rin ng biyuda ng unang biktima na hindi direktang naapektuhan ng mababang presyo ng palay ang kanyang asawa, na isang manggagawa lamang sa sakahan.
Samantala, ang pangalawang biktima, na nagtatrabaho rin sa isang sakahan, ay nagpakamatay umano dahil sa personal na dahilan.
“Nakausap ‘yung mga kamag-anak, iniwan ng asawa. ‘Yung asawa ay sumama sa ibang lalaki. Masama ang loob ng tao,” dagdag ni Santiago.
Natukoy ng NBI na ang pinagmulan ng maling impormasyon ay isang lokal na kandidato, na ginamit umano ang mga insidente bilang bahagi ng kanyang pangangampanya para sa nalalapit na halalan.
“Pinag-aaralan namin kung meron ba siyang liability,” ani Santiago.
Matatandaang humingi ng tulong ang Department of Agriculture (DA) sa NBI upang maimbestigahan ang mga balitang nag-uugnay sa pagpapakamatay ng mga magsasaka sa mababang presyo ng palay.
BEIRUT. Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut for the first time since a ceasefire ended its recent war with Hezbollah, hitting what it claimed was a Hezbollah drone storage facility in the Dahiyeh district. The attack, which took place on Friday, was in response to alleged rocket fire from Lebanon into northern Israel, according to Israeli officials.
Residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs heard a loud explosion as smoke billowed from the targeted area, which is a mix of residential and commercial properties and is near at least two schools. Israel had previously warned civilians to evacuate before the strike.
“We will not allow firing at our communities, not even a trickle,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared. “We will attack everywhere in Lebanon, against any threat to the State of Israel.”
Hezbollah, however, denied launching the rockets and accused Israel of seeking a pretext for its continued military actions.
In response to the strike, Lebanon’s government ordered schools and universities in Hadath to close as residents fled the area by car and on foot.
The attack drew immediate condemnation from French President Emmanuel Macron, who described it as “unacceptable” and vowed to discuss the matter with Netanyahu and U.S. officials.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun denounced the airstrike as a “violation of the agreement” brokered by France and the U.S..
Meanwhile, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce, defended Israel’s actions, stating:
“Israel is defending its people and interests by responding to rocket attacks from terrorists in Lebanon. We expect the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm these terrorists to prevent further hostilities.”
The U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned that the escalation had created “a critical period for Lebanon and the wider region.”
In addition to the Beirut strike, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people and wounded 18 others, including women and children in the village of Kfar Tibnit, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
This latest escalation comes as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, where over 50,000 people have been killed since the conflict reignited.
With tensions mounting, Israel has vowed to continue its operations unless Hezbollah ceases attacks and Lebanon’s government takes action against the militant group.
As the situation unfolds, fears grow that a renewed, full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah could be imminent.
BANGKOK. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, claiming the lives of more than 140 people, with the death toll expected to rise. The massive tremor wreaked havoc across a wide area, toppling buildings and infrastructure, including a skyscraper under construction in neighboring Thailand.
The hardest-hit area was Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, located near the quake’s epicenter. The disaster struck around midday, followed by a powerful aftershock and several moderate tremors.
Widespread Devastation in Mandalay
A rescue worker in Amarapura, a historic city now part of Mandalay, reported that at least 30 bodies had been recovered from collapsed multi-story apartment buildings.
“I have never experienced anything like this before—our town looks like a collapsed city,” he said, estimating that about a fifth of the buildings were destroyed. “We received calls for help from people trapped inside, but we cannot assist them because we lack the manpower and machinery to remove the debris. But we will not stop working.”
Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, warned of more deaths and casualties, urging international aid. “Any country willing to help is welcome to provide assistance and donations,” he stated.
International Response
Speaking at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration would be sending aid. “We’re going to be helping,” he told reporters. Despite the administration’s efforts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce assured that disaster experts were on standby to deliver humanitarian aid, including food and potable water.
“USAID has maintained a team of disaster experts with the capacity to respond if disaster strikes,” Bruce said in a press briefing. “We are ready to move now. There has been no impact on our ability to perform those duties, those requests for aid, if and when they come in.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also announced that the U.N. was mobilizing resources in Southeast Asia to support relief efforts.
Monks and Residents Trapped Under Rubble
Mandalay, home to approximately 1.5 million people, is the country’s ancient royal capital and a significant Buddhist center. Rescue workers were struggling to reach dozens of monks trapped beneath the rubble of the Phaya Taung Monastery.
State-run MRTV reported that at least 144 people were confirmed dead, with 732 others injured. The situation is further complicated by Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict, where the ruling junta is battling insurgents, potentially hindering rescue and relief efforts.
“We all ran out of the house as everything started shaking,” a Mandalay resident recounted. “I witnessed a five-story building collapse before my eyes. Everyone in my town is out on the road, and no one dares to go back inside.”
Damage Across Myanmar and Thailand
The earthquake’s devastation extended beyond Mandalay. A rescue worker from the Moe Saydanar charity reported that at least 60 bodies were recovered from monasteries and buildings in Pyinmana, near the capital Naypyidaw, where a 1,000-bed hospital suffered significant damage.
In Taungoo, three people died when a mosque partially collapsed. “We were saying prayers when the shaking started… Three died on the spot,” a witness said.
A hotel in Aung Ban, Shan State, crumbled into rubble, with the Democratic Voice of Burma reporting at least two dead and 20 trapped inside.
In Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, at least nine people were killed when a high-rise building collapsed. The city’s deputy governor, Tavida Kamolvej, confirmed that eight died in the collapse, while another person died at a separate location. Rescuers continued searching for over 100 missing persons.
Impact on Infrastructure and Emergency Response
A U.S. government analysis predicted thousands of deaths and severe economic losses, with the Sagaing and Meiktila regions among the worst affected. State media reported that buildings collapsed in at least five cities and towns, along with a railway bridge and a section of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. Images showed the iconic Ava Bridge over the Irrawaddy River partially destroyed, with its arches leaning into the water.
A Mandalay resident described the widespread destruction: “The entire city is affected, and one neighborhood, Sein Pan, is on fire. Roads are damaged, phone lines are down, and we have no electricity.”
Amnesty International called the earthquake “a catastrophe at the worst possible time,” citing Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, the large number of displaced people, and cuts to U.S. aid under the Trump administration.
Since the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has struggled with economic decline and collapsing public services. Armed resistance has seized large territories, further complicating disaster relief efforts.
Myanmar, situated on a major tectonic fault line, is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Given the nation’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis, experts fear the junta will be unable to respond to the disaster adequately.
“Myanmar is wholly unable to deal with the shock and its aftermath,” said Nyi Nyi Kyaw, a Myanmar academic at the University of Bristol.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Despite damaged roads and communication disruptions, rescue operations continue in Mandalay and surrounding areas. The full scale of destruction remains unclear due to restricted media access, but authorities fear the death toll will continue to rise in the coming days.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, humanitarian organizations, neighboring countries, and local communities are racing against time to provide aid to the affected population.
A collapsed building Friday in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
BANGKOK. A high-rise building under construction in Bangkok collapsed on Friday after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar, police confirmed. The extent of casualties remains unknown.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media captured the moment the multi-story structure, topped with a crane, crumbled into a massive dust cloud as bystanders screamed and ran for cover. The collapse occurred near the bustling Chatuchak Market, a popular destination for locals and tourists. Police responding to the scene stated that they had no immediate information on the number of workers present at the time.
The main quake, which hit around 1:30 p.m., was followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock. Authorities urged Bangkok residents who had evacuated buildings to remain outside, warning of potential further tremors.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Germany’s GFZ Center for Geosciences reported that the earthquake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with its epicenter in central Myanmar, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa. The tremors were felt across nearly all regions of Thailand, according to the country’s Department of Disaster Prevention.
In Bangkok, where over 17 million people reside, high-rise buildings sway violently. Water from rooftop pools spilled over the edges, and debris rained down from structures. Alarms blared in offices, condominiums, and hotels, prompting mass evacuations as frightened residents rushed down staircases and gathered in the streets, seeking shade from the sweltering midday sun.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra swiftly convened an emergency meeting to assess the earthquake’s impact and coordinate response efforts.
In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, religious shrines suffered significant damage, with portions of structures collapsing to the ground. Some residential buildings also sustained damage, though immediate reports on the full extent of destruction were scarce. The situation was further complicated by the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, which has disrupted communication and emergency response efforts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and rescue operations are underway at the collapsed site in Bangkok as officials work to determine the number of casualties and assess structural damage across the affected regions.
A skyscraper being constructed in Bangkok, Thailand, came crashing down after a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the neighbouring country of Myanmar.
VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis’s medical team briefly contemplated halting treatment after a critical breathing crisis on February 28 but ultimately opted for an aggressive intervention despite the risks to his organs, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the lead physician overseeing his hospital care.
Speaking to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, Alfieri revealed that the 88-year-old pontiff and those close to him had prepared for the worst after he suffered a severe bronchospasm, during which he inhaled vomit.
“We needed to choose whether to stop and let him go, or to push it and attempt with all of the possible drugs and the treatments, taking the very high risk of damaging other organs,” Alfieri explained. “In the end, that is the path we chose.”
A Near-Fatal Night
Francis was reportedly aware of the gravity of his condition throughout the ordeal. His personal health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, who has an intimate knowledge of the pope’s medical preferences, urged the doctors: “Try everything. Don’t give up.”
The Vatican’s official medical bulletin that night described the bronchospasm as so severe that the pope inhaled vomit, further complicating his respiratory function. Doctors performed a non-invasive aspiration procedure to clear his airways.
A Second Life-Threatening Episode
Just three days later, the pope faced another critical moment when he suffered two acute bronchospasm episodes. Physicians used an endoscopic procedure to remove mucus plugs, which had accumulated in his lungs. The Vatican’s statement emphasized that Francis “always remained alert, oriented, and collaborative” throughout both emergencies.
Alfieri admitted that the aggressive treatment approach put Francis’ kidneys and bone marrow at risk. “But we continued, and his body responded to the treatments, and the lung infection improved,” he said.
The Road to Recovery
After 38 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis was discharged on Sunday under strict medical orders to observe two months of convalescence and avoid large gatherings.
The Vatican has not confirmed whether the pope will participate in Holy Week events leading up to Easter on April 20. His scheduled meeting with King Charles III next month has also been postponed by mutual agreement to allow the pontiff more time to recover.
‘A Miracle’?
Despite the dire circumstances, Pope Francis’ recovery has been hailed as extraordinary. Alfieri suggested that the power of prayer may have played a role in his survival.
“In this case, the whole world was praying. I can say that twice the situation was lost, and then it happened like a miracle,” he remarked. “Of course, he was also a very cooperative patient.”
As the pontiff continues his recovery, the world watches to see whether he will be strong enough to resume his public engagements in the coming months.
MANILA. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte marked his 80th birthday in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands on Friday, following his controversial arrest earlier this month. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, both supporters and critics took to the streets, prompting heightened security measures by the police.
Duterte’s arrest at Manila’s international airport on March 11 was carried out by Philippine authorities in compliance with an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. The former president’s detention is a significant turning point for one of the most controversial leaders in Philippine history.
During his presidency, Duterte made headlines for his brash rhetoric, once calling God “stupid,” cursing then U.S. President Barack Obama and the Pope, and stating he would be “happy to slaughter” three million drug addicts in the Philippines—comparing his anti-drug campaign to Adolf Hitler’s mass executions.
Duterte is currently being held at a detention center in the seaside suburb of Scheveningen, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the ICC headquarters in The Hague. Despite his incarceration, he remains “in high spirits,” according to Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, who has been visiting him regularly.
On his birthday, Duterte was visited by his common-law wife and their daughter. His family also sent him a bag of clothes from his home in Davao and his preferred sugar-free soft drinks. Vice President Duterte shared that her father had also requested dental floss.
“I urged him to cook his own food while in detention, but he told me, ‘I’m too old to write a book,’” she recounted, dismissing the idea that he would document his experiences.
Duterte made his first appearance before ICC judges via video on March 15, following his arrest. He faces charges related to the widespread killings under his anti-drug campaign, which spanned from November 2011 to March 2019, covering his tenure as Davao City mayor and Philippine president.
ICC prosecutors have accused Duterte of being an “indirect co-perpetrator” in mass extrajudicial killings. While he has denied authorizing police to kill thousands of suspects, he previously admitted under oath in a Philippine Senate inquiry that he had maintained a “death squad” in Davao City to eliminate criminals.
The estimated death toll from Duterte’s war on drugs varies significantly, with Philippine authorities reporting at least 6,250 deaths. However, human rights groups estimate the number to be between 20,000 and 30,000.
Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc has scheduled a pretrial hearing for September 23 to determine if the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Duterte retains the right to apply for temporary release, though the families of victims of the drug war strongly oppose such a move, fearing a lack of accountability.
The former president’s detention continues to polarize the country. Supporters held prayer rallies in Manila and Davao City, calling for his immediate release. Meanwhile, left-wing activists staged protests, carrying a mock coffin adorned with images of drug war victims, demanding justice for the thousands killed under Duterte’s rule.
In response to the protests, the Philippine National Police went on high alert, ensuring order during demonstrations on Duterte’s birthday.
The Duterte family has questioned the legality of his arrest and criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for allowing his surrender to the ICC. The rivalry between the Dutertes and the Marcos family has intensified since the former president’s detention.
Vice President Sara Duterte publicly criticized the Philippine military, saying it had stood “idly by while a former commander-in-chief was taken from a military base under questionable circumstances.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines responded with a statement on Thursday emphasizing its neutrality: “Any deviation from this principle would undermine the very democracy we are bound to protect.”
As Duterte marks a milestone birthday in ICC detention, his legacy remains deeply divisive. His supporters view him as a leader who took bold measures to combat crime, while his critics see him as a human rights violator who must be held accountable. With his trial still pending, the future of the former president—and the broader implications for Philippine politics—remains uncertain.
CAIRO, Egypt. Six Russian nationals died, and 39 foreign tourists were rescued after a sightseeing submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea resort, on Thursday, according to the Red Sea Governorate. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for.
The sunken vessel, the Sindbad, had 50 people onboard: 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, and five Egyptian crew members.
“Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the Russian consulate in Hurghada stated.
The Sindbad was a recreational submarine designed for underwater excursions, allowing passengers to observe the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life through its large portholes. According to the operator’s website, the vessel could descend up to 25 meters below the surface.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that the submarine was licensed, and its captain held proper certification. Officials are questioning the crew as part of the inquiry.
Tourism Hub at Risk?
The Red Sea is a crucial destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, which remains a key pillar of the country’s economy. Russian tourists, in particular, represent a growing share of visitors. Egypt, known for its pyramids, Nile cruises, and diving spots, relies heavily on tourism revenue, which a United Nations report ranked as the highest in Africa in 2024 at $14.1 billion—more than double its Suez Canal earnings.
However, concerns over maritime safety have been rising following a series of accidents.
June 2023: A tourist boat sank due to high waves, but all passengers survived.
November 2023: A vessel carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members capsized, with local media reporting at least 11 fatalities.
February 2024: After undergoing maintenance, a tourist boat sank while heading to Hurghada.
Despite these incidents, Egyptian authorities maintain that safety inspections are regularly conducted. The Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the latest tragedy.
MAYNILA. Hinimok ng Malacañang ang mga bangko na pagbutihin ang kanilang mga polisiya upang mapigilan ang lumalalang cyber fraud at pag-atake sa sektor ng pananalapi.
Ito ay matapos makumpirma na ang mga financial institutions na pinangangasiwaan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ay nakaranas ng P5.82 bilyong pagkalugi dahil sa cyberattacks noong 2024. Ang halagang ito ay mas mataas ng 2.6% kumpara sa P5.67 bilyon na naitala noong 2023.
Mas Matibay na Cybersecurity Policies
“In line with that, atin din pong hinihikayat na magkaroon din po ang mga bangko, mabago ang kanilang mga internal policies patungkol po dito,” pahayag ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang.
Binigyang-diin ni Castro na kailangang mas pagtibayin ang cyber resilience ng financial sector upang maprotektahan ang publiko laban sa mga cybercriminals.
Kasabay nito, sinabi niya na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagpapalakas ng information dissemination upang maturuan ang publiko kung paano makakaiwas sa mga online scam.
“Nag-e-evolve po talaga ang paggawa ng krimen. So, kailangan din po ang mga proyekto natin, ‘yong ating mga panuntunan dito ay dapat nag-a-upgrade din po,” dagdag ni Castro.
Patuloy na Pagtaas ng Cyber Threats
Ayon sa BSP circular, ang lahat ng pinangangasiwaang financial institutions ay inaatasang magsumite ng regular at event-driven reports hinggil sa teknolohiyang ginagamit, pati na rin ang mga insidente ng malalaking cyberattacks.
“The number of reports on crimes and losses submitted by supervised institutions has increased from 40,780 in 2024 to 40,572 in 2023,” ayon sa data ng BSP.
Kabilang sa pangunahing cybersecurity risks na kinaharap ng mga BSP-supervised institutions noong 2024 ay phishing, “card-not-present” fraud, account takeover o identity fraud, at hacking.
“Estimated losses due to phishing and card-not-present fraud rose to PHP1.8 billion and PHP1.5 billion, respectively,” ayon sa BSP.
Patuloy na pinapayuhan ng mga eksperto ang publiko na maging maingat sa pagbibigay ng personal at financial information online upang maiwasan ang pananamantala ng mga cybercriminals.
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