The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) has recognized the anti-scam program of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in the Philippines as a global benchmark in the fight against online scams and cyber-enabled crimes.
Rajeshpal Singh Sandhu, GASA Advisor for Southeast Asia, said during the Global Anti-Scam Summit in London that the Philippines has established a new regional and global standard in combating online scams.
“The CICC, under the leadership of Undersecretary Alexander Ramos, has set a new standard in the region. Its comprehensive, intelligence-led approach to fight cybercrime and protecting digital citizens is now being studied by other countries. The Philippines is no longer just responding to cybercrime—it is leading the way,” Sandhu said.
The CICC won the Runner-Up award for Best Scam Fighting Organization at the 2025 Scam Fighter of the Year Awards by the GASA in the Netherlands. Adding to this honor, Ramos was named Runner-Up for Best Scam Fighting Individual.
Underscoring the Philippines’ growing influence in anti-cybercrime efforts, these victories positioned Ramos for appointment to the prestigious Advisory Council of GASA.
CICC Achievements Highlighted at Global Anti-Scam Summit
Ramos recently showcased the significant accomplishments of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) at the Global Anti-Scam Summit held in London.
Among the agency’s pioneering initiatives, Ramos underscored the establishment of the National Cybercrime Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. This state-of-the-art facility, a first of its kind in the ASEAN region, operates as a streamlined one-stop center for digital forensics, stakeholder training, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration. Designed with a zero-bureaucracy approach, the hub has become a central venue for numerous capacity-building programs, including specialized digital and advanced forensic training sessions, and serves as the preferred location for strategic discussions on cybercrime.
Further demonstrating the CICC’s impact, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) formally recognized the 1326 hotline as the National Anti-Scam Hotline through a memorandum of understanding, a testament to its proven effectiveness. In 2024 alone, the hotline processed an impressive 10,004 reports. A significant portion of these reports yielded actionable intelligence, directly contributing to successful law enforcement operations and the development of robust cases against online fraud syndicates.
Beyond infrastructure and response mechanisms, the CICC has actively fostered stronger inter-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation. The agency also launched an extensive cyber awareness campaign over the past two years, effectively reaching millions of Filipinos with crucial information on online safety and scam prevention.
The CICC has ensured the Philippines maintains a prominent voice in critical global dialogues, including the UN sessions for the adoption of the UN Cybercrime Convention, actively shaping the international cybercrime policy framework.
The CICC has also achieved notable successes in law enforcement collaboration. In 2023, the agency played a pivotal role in the arrest and subsequent deportation of Indian terrorist operatives. Additionally, the CICC was instrumental in securing the conviction of Chinese nationals involved in online sexual exploitation operations, underscoring its commitment to combating diverse forms of cybercrime.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a recent budget hearing, credited CICC’s capabilities in detecting and exposing scam hubs operating under the guise of legal businesses such as POGOs and BPOs.
“GASA looks forward to sharing the CICC’s anti-scam blueprint with governments across Southeast Asia. The Philippines is proving that with the right leadership and strategy, we can win the war against online scams,” Sandhu added.
With international attention now fixed on the Philippines, the CICC is not only protecting its citizens—it is building a cyber-resilient nation and inspiring global action.
