PNP-ACG, GCash renew partnership to strengthen cyber defense, fight online scams

• From left: GCash  Public Affairs Head Mabel M.Niala, GCash External Affairs Head Jerome C. Lantin, GCash Chief Information and Security Officer Miguel Geronilla, PNP-ACG Director PBGen Bernard Yang, and PNP ACG Chief Investigative Officer PCol Jay D Guillermo

By TechWatch PH Staff

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has reinforced its campaign against digital financial crimes with the launch of its Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook and the renewal of its partnership with finance super app GCash.

The event also introduced the Scam Assistance Hub (SAH), a new platform that allows victims of online scams to easily file reports through a QR code, ensuring faster coordination between authorities and affected users.

The renewed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), first signed in 2022, reaffirms the shared commitment of PNP-ACG and GCash to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and improve consumer protection amid the continued growth of digital payments.

“Financial technology continues to evolve, and with it, the methods used by cybercriminals,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information and Security Officer at GCash. “We at GCash are honored to support the PNP-ACG in enhancing the capabilities of law enforcers through education. By sharing fintech-specific use cases, we aim to help build a more informed response force against digital financial threats.”

Developed in partnership with GCash, the Cybersecurity and Fintech Handbook aims to equip regional and national cybercrime units with updated knowledge on cybersecurity frameworks, financial investigations, fintech systems, cryptocurrency, and relevant cybercrime laws.

PNP-ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard R. Yang said these initiatives represent “a collective step forward in our continuing effort to protect Filipinos in the digital space.” He added that strategic collaborations and learning tools will help prepare law enforcers to face today’s emerging cyber threats.

Also present at the ceremony were PNP ACG Chief Investigative Officer PCol Jay D. Guillermo, GCash Public Affairs Manager Mabel M. Niala, and GCash External Affairs Manager Jerome C. Lantin.

The handbook will be rolled out to regional units nationwide through virtual assemblies and video modules, in line with the PNP’s modernization efforts and the government’s National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028 developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The launch also aligns with the implementation of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), enacted in July 2024, which aims to curb social engineering scams, money muling, and other fraudulent financial activities. The handbook will serve as a learning guide to help law enforcement officers better understand and enforce the provisions of the new law.

The event likewise introduced the SAH, a new reporting platform that connects users to the GCash SAH website, where victims of scams can file reports, receive assistance, and process claims under GCash’s Express Send Scam Insurance.

The initiative ensures a more coordinated response between the PNP-ACG and GCash in addressing fraud complaints and supporting affected users.

A panel discussion on “Technological Protection on the Use of Cryptocurrency Transactions” also took place during the event, featuring SEKURO’s Prashant Haldankar, IBPAP’s Atty. Michel Montero, GCash’s Miguel Geronilla, and Coin.ph’s Benjamin Thang.

“Technology will continue to evolve, and criminals will continue to adapt,” Brig. Gen. Yang said. “What matters is that we are moving forward together—with stronger capabilities, a clearer direction, and a deeper resolve.”

While the SAH QR Code is still being prepared for public deployment, the PNP-ACG reminded the public that cybercrime incidents may still be reported via its hotline 1326, or through GCash’s Help Center and verified customer support channels.