PNP-ACG Chief Calls for Regional Unity Vs. Digital Threats during ASEAN Cybercrime Conference

By TechWatch Staff

Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) Acting Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in combating cyber threats as he represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Cybercrime Conference 2025, hosted by the Singapore Police Force from October 28 to 30.

The annual conference gathered leaders, experts, and law enforcement agencies from across Southeast Asia to strengthen ASEAN’s collective defenses against the fast-evolving landscape of cybercrime.

Brig. Gen. Yang described the experience as “truly enriching,” noting that it reinforced how cybercriminals come from diverse backgrounds. There is no single profile of a cyber offender, he said, as perpetrators span all age groups, genders, and levels of education.

He raised concern over the increasing use of cryptocurrency by criminals, describing it as both an enabler and a gateway into organized cybercrime.

Yang also underscored that motivations behind cybercrime transcend borders. While financial gain remains the most common driver, other factors such as poverty, peer pressure, boredom, and curiosity also play a role.

He noted that many offenders act without realizing the magnitude of the harm they cause, highlighting the need for broader education and awareness across all sectors of society.

A significant insight from the conference, according to Yang, is that cybercriminals are still human. They experience emotions such as guilt, anger, greed, and distrust like anyone else. Understanding these human vulnerabilities, he said, can help law enforcement craft more effective messaging and strategies that use psychological insights to disrupt, deter, and divide organized cybercriminal groups.

He further pointed out that cybercrime prevention does not always require massive funding. Several ASEAN countries showcased creative, cost-effective campaigns that leveraged strong social media presence and community engagement to drive public awareness.

For Yang, this demonstrated that awareness and education remain among the most powerful and sustainable tools for prevention.

Above all, he stressed that collaboration remains the region’s strongest defense. The Singapore Police Force, through its Commercial Affairs Department and Anti-Scam Command, continues to foster regional cooperation by sharing intelligence, best practices, and lessons learned.

Partnerships with INTERPOL, Yang noted, further amplify ASEAN’s capability to address cybercrime on both regional and global fronts.

“Together, we are stronger,” Yang concluded. “This conference reinforced that the fight against cybercrime is not one country’s battle but a regional and global mission to safeguard our digital future.”