Suspected gov't website hacker nabbed in Butuan City

MANILA, Philippines  - National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents arrested one of the suspected hackers who attacked government websites recently.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said that suspect Rodel Plasabas, who allegedly carries the aliases "Reaper", "anonymousbutuan" and "Anon Reaper" was nabbed Wednesday in Butuan City.

De Lima said Plasabas was accessing the Internet at the time of the arrest.

Investigators have identified traces from his computer's history indicating hacking activities.

The suspect will be presented for inquest on Thursday before the Butuan City Prosecutor's Office.

De Lima earlier vowed to prosecute members of the hacking community who have defaced key state-run websites in violation of Republic Act 8792 or the E-Commerce Law.

"That should be investigated because as we all know, hacking disrupts public service," she said.

Incidences of hacking were recorded recently purportedly to protest against the government funds or pork barrel scam.

Earlier this month, protesters wearing the Guy Fawkes mask said to be a symbol of the hacking collective Anonymous Philippines marched to the House of Representatives to condemn misuse of public funds. -Camille Diola