The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are forging a partnership aimed at enhancing the enforcement of cybercrime laws within the country. The collaboration will focus on expanding the capabilities of digital forensic experts and improving the skills of cybercrime investigators and prosecutors, as announced in a recent DOJ statement.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the urgency of this initiative, citing a continuous rise in cybercrimes and cyber-enabled incidents in the Philippines. To further the discussions, Remulla is set to lead a delegation to the UNODC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, where they will meet with UNODC’s Executive Director, Ghada Fathi Waly. The visit will also include a tour of the UNODC’s Crime Laboratory.
This meeting is scheduled to occur alongside the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, taking place from March 10 to 14. The DOJ highlighted that these efforts align with the Marcos administration’s dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
In the Philippines, Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres, who leads the DOJ’s Law Enforcement Cluster, is spearheading the local dialogue with the UNODC team. Andres aims to establish a robust system for acquiring and using digital forensic tools essential for cybercrime investigations. He stressed the importance of securing continuous funding for the renewal of licenses for these critical tools.
The DOJ and UNODC are planning to formalize their partnership through a comprehensive memorandum of agreement in May, which will encompass various justice sector programs, including prison reform and forensic advancements.