BPI brings CyberAcademy to Cebu, strengthening regional cybercrime defense
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), together with key government and private partners.
Recently conducted the first regional run of its flagship cybersecurity capacity-building program in Cebu City, highlighting its commitment to nation-building by empowering regional law enforcement and justice partners in efforts to protect Filipinos from digital threats.
(Photo L-R) State Counsel Atty. Khersien Bautista of DOJ-OOC, George Marcaida of Zero Day Solutions Corp., Prof. Philip Kwa of Asian Institute of Management, Elena Torrijos of BPI, Col. Jay Guillermo of PNP-ACG RACU 7, and Atty. Christine Lovely Red-Allego and Vega Fria Devoma of BPI at the BPI CyberAcademy learning session in Seda Ayala Center Cebu on November 27, 2025.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), together with key government and private partners, recently conducted the first regional run of its flagship cybersecurity capacity-building program in Cebu City, highlighting its commitment to nation-building by empowering regional law enforcement and justice partners in efforts to protect Filipinos from digital threats.
The CyberAcademy 2025: Strengthening Cyber Capacity for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors learning session held November 27 and 28, 2025 was co-organized with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 7, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and the Department of Justice–Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC).
“When we first launched BPI’s CyberAcademy program, we envisioned building a stronger, more capable, and more coordinated frontline against cybercrime. Today, we bring that same commitment here to Cebu and Region 7, recognizing the crucial role this region plays in the country’s digital landscape,” said Elena Torrijos, BPI’s Head of Public Affairs and Communications in her opening remarks.
The training session gathered more than 70 police investigators from PNP Region 7 and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU 7) and prosecutors from the Office of the Regional Prosecutor.
In his closing message, Col. Jay Guillermo of PNP-ACG RACU 7 underscored how the session created a valuable space for prosecutors and police officers in Region VII to connect and build rapport. He noted that this strengthened relationship is critical in ensuring a more unified and effective response to scams and other cyber-enabled threats against the public.
Launched in partnership with DOJ-OOC in 2023, BPI Cyberacademy is a pioneering program that equips law enforcement and prosecutors with technical knowledge and practical skills to combat financial cybercrime. Through collaborative training, the program aims to build a unified, proactive defense against online fraud and digital threats.