This study attempt to analyze the capability of the Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crime cases in the National Capital Region as to personnel capability, case handling, coordination, surveillance/monitoring and facilities and equipment.
The source of data were fifty three (53) Anti-cybercrime Group uniformed personnel, thirty three (33) detail personnel and one hundred twenty one (121) stakeholders like bank personnel, government agencies and IT private sectors who are well aware of the laws pertaining to cybercrime in the National Capital Region for a total of 207 respondents. The tools of measurements in this study were the primary data through interview and survey questionnaires and the secondary data through documentary analysis. Before the start of the survey, appropriate permission and endorsement was obtained to formalize the request for accommodation and support from Director, Anti-Cybercrime Group for the conduct of the study, same with the other group of respondents. The quantitative data obtained through the conduct of survey were analyzed and evaluated using the following statistical data: percentage technique, average weighted mean through the five point likert scale and the F-test to determine the significant differences among the three (3) groups of respondents.
The target population of the study was 207 respondents, all the respondents filled up the questionnaires completely and administered, representing a 100% retrieval rate.
As depicted in the data gathering, the ACG personnel, authorized/detail personnel and stakeholders assessed the level of capability of the Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region with an overall Average Weighted Mean of 3.69 as to personnel capability, case handling, coordination, surveillance/monitoring and facilities and equipment. The perceived problems encountered affecting the capability of the Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region obtained an overall Average Weighted mean of 3.95 which correspond to a verbal interpretation of serious in relation to personnel capability, case handling, coordination, surveillance/monitoring and facilities and equipment.
On the proposed measures a “Highly Recommended” mean was obtained to address the problems encountered affecting the capability of the Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region with an overall Average Weighted Mean of 4.29 as to personnel capability, case handling, coordination, surveillance/monitoring and facilities and equipment.
On the basis of the established results from the data gathering, the following conclusions were drawn: 1.) The Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region was regarded as capable, connotes that certain issues and concern pertaining to the capability of the ACG in personnel capability, case handling, coordination, surveillance/monitoring and facilities and equipment that needs to give certain consideration to ensure that the Anti-Cybercrime Group able to pursue their mission and function in the investigation of cyber related crimes; 2.) The problems that affect the capability of Anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes was considered serious. This implies that there were certain issues and downtimes in the capability of the Anti-Cybercrime Groups that great affects its operational functions in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region. It is imperative that the Anti-Cybercrime be kept operational at all times to deal with organized crime as far as its personnel, equipment and operation are concern; 3.) The improvement on the capability of the anti-Cybercrime Group in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region must establish a well-coordinated unit with the other law enforcement agencies towards a common goal forward to build up the confidence of various national and international stakeholders. At the same time ACG personnel are well trained in the implementation of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; 4.) There was a significant difference on the assessment made by the Anti-Cybercrime Group personnel, authorized/detail personnel and stakeholders when it comes to the capability of the ACG in handling cyber related crimes in the National Capital Region. This manifests discrepancy in the observations and opinions of the group of respondents on the capability of the anti-Cybercrime Group and; 5.) The proposed public safety development program played a vital role in the growth and development of the Anti-Cybercrime Group attuned to the demand of time in solving the prevalence of cybercrimes in the National Capital Region.
Based on the foregoing conclusions, the following recommendations are hereby submitted: 1.) The Anti-Cybercrime Group as the sole Philippine National Police unit tasked to spearhead the enforcement of laws on cybercrime must have the basic understanding of the concepts of cybersecurity and cybercrimes to promote the PNP anti-cybercrime campaign in the National Capital Region; 2.) The continuing reliance on digital technology, and targets of cyber criminals, the need to enhance the anti-cybercrime capabilities of the PNP through competent cybercrime investigator and digital forensic examiner/analysis equipped with modern digital forensic laboratories in its National Headquarters; 3.) As vulnerable to threats from cybercrime and cyber enabled criminality, the Anti-Cybercrime Group need to upgrade and reassess its programs and develop new strategies to become a more effective weapon against cybercrimes; 4.) With the discrepancies opinions of the groups of respondents, the Anti-Cybercrime Group need to conduct capacity building seminars and trainings to the different pillars of the judicial system which include the law enforcement agencies of the government; 5.) In the light of the findings and conclusion of the study, the researcher strongly recommends the adoption of the proposed action plan development program to enhance the capability of the Anti-cybercrime Group in all out and sustained operation against cybercrimes and; 6.) Conduct further study on International Legislation on cyber related crimes.