Cybercrime Cases Drop in 2025 as Digital Security Efforts Step Up

The Philippines is seeing encouraging signs in its fight against cybercrime. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, reported online crime cases dropped significantly this year, pointing to stronger enforcement and better coordination among government agencies.

Data shared by the DICT and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center show that cybercrime reports fell to 8,987 cases in 2025. That number is a big improvement compared to the 14,529 cases logged the year before. The figures were presented during the recent CICC Executive Committee meeting at the DICT headquarters in Quezon City.

Authorities also highlighted progress beyond simple reporting numbers. From November 2024 to October 2025, law enforcers filed nearly 3,000 cybercrime cases. More than 250 individuals were convicted, and over a thousand cyber warrants were successfully served. These results suggest that online crimes are not just being reported but actively pursued.

Looking at the bigger picture, the country has recorded close to 88,000 cybercrime cases since 2013. While that total shows how serious the problem has been over the years, the latest decline offers some optimism that recent strategies are working.

Most of the cases involved familiar online offenses such as identity theft, digital fraud, hacking, illegal access, and online libel. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda credited the improvement to consistent collaboration among agencies like the NBI, PNP, DOJ, and the CICC. He also stressed that vigilance must continue, especially during the holiday season when online activity usually increases.

Beyond local efforts, the Philippines is also strengthening international ties. Earlier this month, Philippine and Australian officials met in Canberra for their first cyber dialogue. The talks focused on shared goals such as cyber resilience, AI safety, critical technologies, and stronger partnerships between government and industry.

The discussion supported existing agreements between the two countries and aligned with the Philippines’ National Cybersecurity Plan for 2023 to 2028. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a safer and more trusted digital space, not just nationally, but across the region.