Leyte: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Eastern Visayas officially launched the first leg of its intensive provincial cybersecurity campaign on Wednesday, with Leyte province serving as the initial focal area. The initiative aims to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and protect the province's digital space through an accessible and fully digital platform, said DICT-Eastern Visayas Regional Director Melvyn Carlo Barroa.
According to Philippines News Agency, the campaign comes amid growing concerns over increasingly sophisticated cyber threats affecting Leyte residents. Data from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 8 revealed that cybercriminals have developed localized schemes targeting individuals and communities across the province.
Among the emerging threats are fraudulent "eGovPH app scams," in which victims are tricked into downloading malicious Android Package files disguised as legitimate government applications. Authorities have also flagged the so-called "DICT Tower Scam," a scheme using fake lease agreements and commission offers to trick landowners into surrendering sensitive personal and property documents.
"Cybercriminals have likewise adopted more advanced technologies to carry out their operations. These include the use of International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, or fake cell towers, which can intercept mobile communications, as well as artificial intelligence-powered deepfakes that mimic the voices and appearances of trusted individuals," Barroa said in a statement.
In response, DICT-Eastern Visayas is intensifying its cybersecurity education and awareness efforts in line with the national government's directive to build a "Cyber-Secure Philippines" under the "Bagong Pilipinas" vision. Barroa said the initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding Filipinos in the digital economy by strengthening cyber defenses, securing critical digital infrastructure, and empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from cybercrime.
