By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now investigating the recent string of cyber attacks targeting the social media pages of local government units (LGUs) and public officials in Negros Occidental.

NBI-Bacolod chief, Atty. Renoir Baldovino said they are awaiting the official request of the involved LGUs and public officials to conduct an investigation.

The NBI Cybercrime Division has already begun their probe.

Baldovino said they will get in touch with the NBI’s Cybercrime Division in Manila regarding the hacking incidents.

In the past few days, the first social media account hacked was the official Facebook page of the MassKara Festival, wherein hackers have posted lewd videos.

Hackers targeted the social media pages of Negros Occidental 3rd District Congressman Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, and Cadiz City’s official Facebook page, Bilis Cadiz Ugyon Cadiznon, but have been recovered by their respective owners.

Reports have also surfaced that hackers have also attempted to attack the official social media page of Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, although they were unsuccessful in their attempt.

On Tuesday afternoon, August 22, the Municipality of E.B. Magalona’s Facebook page was also hacked./DGB, WDJ