The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has begun an investigation into the online leak of identities of investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman.
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the probe would cover both external and possible internal involvement within the Ombudsman.
He said cyber investigators are looking into all possible leads and urged those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
“We will look into this case with urgency and with a commitment to run after all those involved,” Nartatez said in a statement Monday.
The Ombudsman earlier confirmed the leak, describing the unauthorized disclosure of investigators’ identities as an attempt to intimidate public officials involved in ongoing work.
While details of the leak were not disclosed, the Ombudsman noted that it came amid recent filings involving high-ranking officials.
Nartatez said those responsible may face charges under the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The PNP said it is also prepared to extend protection to government personnel affected by security threats linked to the incident.