President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tapped Alexander Ramos as the new head of an attached agency of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in charge of all functions related to cybersecurity.

Ramos has been appointed as Executive Director V of the DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace briefing.

Malacañang has yet to release Ramos’ appointment paper.

Prior to his new appointment, Ramos served as a senior cyber security adviser at the DICT.

Apart from Ramos, Mary Rose Magsaysay has also been designated as CICC deputy executive director, Cruz-Angeles said.

Other new CICC appointees include Patricia May Abejo, Rojun Hosillos and Alvin Miro Navarro who will all hold the rank of Director IV.

The CICC, created upon the approval of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, is responsible for formulating a National Cybersecurity Plan and facilitating international cooperation on intelligence regarding cybersecurity matters.

It also serves as the lead agency in monitoring cybercrime cases handled by participating law enforcement and prosecution agencies, as well as in recommending the enactment of appropriate laws, issuances, measures, and policies pursuant to its mandate.

It is also mandated to lead the Philippine government’s efforts to protect the country, institutions, and citizens against cybercrimes.

In June this year, the CICC launched the country’s first and state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Platform and Laboratory to help the country’s fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. (PNA)