Cyber libel, cyber scams top cybercrime reports

With over 100 reported cases, cyber libel and cyber scams were among the most prevalent cybercrime activities in Central Visayas in the first half of the year, according to the Philippine National Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 (PNP RACU-7).

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RACU-7 officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Velayo Jr. said there was a total of 63 cyber libel cases and around 60 cases for cyber scam, noting them as the most prevalent cases recorded from January to July 2025 this year.

Velayo added that the said figures could possibly double with more walk-in complaints they get each day.

“Madagdagan pa po yung figure na ito... I think almost double ang expected natin kasi napakarami po naming walk-in complainants araw-araw sa aming pong opisina,” Velayo said during the Openline News Forum yesterday.

Velayo discussed that there is a difference between a libelous statement from freedom of expression, emphasizing the integration of defamation and malice through Information and Communication Technology means like social media.