PNB partners with PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group for cybercrime forum

(From left) PNB President Florido Casuela; PNP–ACG Director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia; PNB Chief Security Officer Atty. Roderick Soriano

27 September 2023 — Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB), in partnership with the Philippine National Police Anti–Cybercrime Group (PNP–ACG), conducted a cybercrime forum for its employees – the first-ever of its kind in the Philippine banking industry – to beef up efforts in the fight against cybercrime and to boost the bank’s cybersecurity awareness.

The forum was held on September 14 at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City and was attended by 153 participants, inclusive of both PNB employees across various ranks and areas of expertise, and third-party service personnel.

PNB Chief Security Officer Atty. Roderick Soriano shared that this was the first time that an exclusive, special, and advanced discourse with the premier law enforcement agency of the government specializing in cybercrime – the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group – was organized.

“PNB stands proud in its fight against cybercrime not only across the banking industry but across the country,” said Atty. Soriano. “PNB was the first cybercrime fighter to avail of the remedies and punitive powers of Republic Act 10175,” he added.

RA 10175 otherwise known as the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012″, is an act defining cybercrime, providing for the prevention, investigation, suppression, and the imposition of penalties therefor and for other purposes.

Meanwhile, PNP–ACG Director Brigadier General Sidney Hernia said that the active cooperation of financial institutions such as banks is indispensable to addressing cybercrimes like financial fraud.

“By adopting a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders and focusing on prevention, response, and education, we can promote the growth and development of a cyber environment that is secure, resilient, and trustworthy,” said Gen. Hernia.

As Filipinos now rely more on online connectivity for their daily transactions, PNB deems it necessary to conduct this forum to raise public awareness on how to mitigate cybersecurity risks and threats in order to achieve a secure and trustworthy digital community for its employees, customers, and other stakeholders.