Capability of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Cordillera (Racu-Cor) in Handling Cybercrime Cases

Abstract

The advancement in technology has its pros and cons. Surely, it provides convenience in the society. But as it advances, the method of committing crimes also advances which was evident during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when most of people were using the internet and digital devices. It was the time that cybercrime cases like phishing, and online and text scams were most prevalent. This event led to the study of the capability of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Cordillera in handling cybercrime cases. Through its determination, it reveals that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle cybercrime cases. This study also aims to determine the issues and challenges and the strategies and practices in handling cybercrime cases. The qualitative approach was applied and specifically employed a semi-structured interview with the personnel of the RACU-COR specifically handling cybercrime investigations. Data shows that in terms of their capabilities, the personnel were qualified to conduct cybercrime investigations as they are compliant with the qualifications of the organization and they were also able to possess different skills in line with their profession which they have obtained from the trainings that they have undergone. They were also able to provide the equipment that they are using in investigating cybercrime cases. Though they were compliant, it still had limitations as to the legal challenges that they needed to adhere and there were advanced forensic tools and techniques that still needed to be addressed especially on the cases of dummy accounts. Keywords: Cybercrime, RACU-COR, digital evidence, Capability, Investigation