The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) arrested 18 individuals and filed 49 cases in nationwide operations from 7 to 13 August.

Seven of those arrested were apprehended through warrants of arrest, while 11 were arrested in entrapment operations, the PNP said Saturday.

PNP chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the results underscored the need for police to keep pace with crimes committed in the digital space.

“Online crime can happen behind a screen, but the harm is real. We continue to improve our capability to trace, verify and act on information,” he said.

“What matters is that police response is swift but that every step is taken carefully, so cases are strong and the public is protected,” Nartatez added.

The operations were carried out by the PNP ACG’s operating units and regional teams nationwide.

The PNP said the operations are part of its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, which seeks to strengthen intelligence-supported responses to emerging threats, including cybercrime.

The PNP ACG urged the public to remain vigilant when engaging in online transactions, verify information before sharing or acting on it, and report suspected cybercrime to authorities.