PNP targets people who leaked identities of Ombudsman probers online
The Philippine National Police has started an investigation to identify the people who leaked online the identities of the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigators.
“The investigation will not be limited to external actors … Possible internal involvement within the Ombudsman is also being examined as part of the cyber probe,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Monday.
“We will look into this case with urgency and with a commitment to run after all those involved,” he added.
In a statement on Sunday, the Office of the Ombudsman “strongly [condemned] the malicious online disclosure of our investigators’ identities.”
“This unauthorized leak is a blatant attempt to intimidate public servants and directly jeopardizes their personal safety,” it said.
Although it did not detail the nature and extent of the leak, the Ombudsman mentioned “recent filings involving high-ranking officials.”
Maximum penalties
It said it was working with authorities to identify those behind the leak, adding that it would pursue maximum legal penalties under the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act against those involved.
According to Nartatez, perpetrators may face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act and RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“I assure [the public] that appropriate charges will be filed against individuals behind this leak of information. The PNP also assures all government officials and employees that the police force is ready to protect them against all kinds of threats to their security,” the PNP chief said.
“As an agency that is also involved in investigation and intelligence-gathering, we understand how serious this case is since this involves the safety of the concerned individuals,” Nartatez added.
Since last year, the Ombudsman has filed cases against several current and former lawmakers as well as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials linked to the flood control corruption scandal.
Among those charged were former House lawmaker Elizaldy Co; former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.; former officials of the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office and Mimaropa office; and private contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya.
