CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) Northern Luzon Field Unit has invited representatives from local government units (LGUs), religious, media, business and academe sectors to comprise the newly created advisory council.
Police Senior Superintendent Arnel Escobal administered the oath-taking of the members and officers of the advisory council led by its chairperson Porac Vice Mayor Dexter Albert David, vice chairperson Maylin Bayza from the academe with members Joel Mapiles from the media, Pastor Joel Sariego from the religious sector and Benjie Talaro from the business sector.
The first meeting and oath-taking of the said council was held Wednesday at the Police Regional Office III Conference Room at Camp Olivas, this city.
The PNP-ACG NLFU Advisory Council members were selected based on the criteria set by the PNP which include integrity, excellent leadership skills, model in transparency and good governance, advocate for transformation and who can be sources of energy.
Police Superintendent Mark Mapacpac, deputy chief of the NLFU said among the functions of the advisory council is to carry out an advocacy program, leading up to the formation of a broad and effective multi-sectoral coalition that would have a better understanding and deeper commitment to support the PNP-ACG in the realization of its vision to become a capable, effective and credible police force.
Police Senior Superintendent Ricson Saavedra, chief of the NLFU and concurrent chair of the technical working group said the council is tasked with initiating and sustaining a forum for the study and assessment of strategic imperatives and developments related to PNP-ACG’s performance.
He said the inputs from the member of the advisory council are needed to speed up the implementation of the anti-cyber crime operation to catch cyber criminals.
Saavedra said the establishment of the PNP-ACG is a strong signal to criminals that the local police is very serious in addressing cyber crimes not only in Central and Northern Luzon but in the entire country.
“The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) recognizes the importance of public awareness on cyber crimes, cyber security and how do government all around the world respond to the increasing cyber threats in the Philippine cyberspace and how to combat it,” he added.
The PNP-ACG NLFU Advisory Council will meet every other month to formulate plans and programs beneficial to the PNP-ACG in their anti-cyber crime operations and to citizens affected by cyber crimes. (Maribel Singca/Pampanga PIO)