Senate Website Defaced; “Nullsec Philippines” Claims Responsibility as Probe Begins

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The official website of the Senate of the Philippines was confirmed to have been hacked on Thursday, June 11, after it was subjected to an “unauthorized modification,” or defacement.

In a statement, the Senate’s Electronic Data Processing–Management Information System (E.D.P.-M.I.S.) Bureau said it had initiated a thorough examination to determine the cause of the breach. The office also implemented additional security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A preliminary assessment showed that no confidential information was exposed, as the website primarily contains documents and informational materials intended for public access.

Meanwhile, a group identifying itself as “Nullsec Philippines” claimed responsibility for the attack through a Facebook post. The group left a message directed at the Senate, stating, “We are watching.”

The group also issued statements criticizing governance and transparency, saying that in the current generation, information can no longer be concealed. “Information cannot be buried forever, and public trust cannot survive without honesty,” the message read.

It further emphasized accountability, stating that Filipinos expect the government to serve with responsibility rather than personal interest. “Every peso lost to corruption is a meal taken from a family, a classroom left unfinished, and a future denied,” the group added.

The message concluded with a warning, asserting that citizens are paying attention and that those who abuse public trust would be held accountable.

Following the incident, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (D.I.C.T.) placed the Senate website under maintenance as a precautionary measure. 

Users attempting to access the site are met with a notice stating that it is temporarily unavailable.

Security measures within the Senate were also heightened in response to the breach. More than 300 police officers were deployed to secure the Senate premises.

Under the direction of Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, stricter security checks have been implemented for individuals entering the Senate.

Additional barriers, including barbed wires, were installed to prevent rallies, while authorities were instructed to remove tents and tarpaulins set up by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In its closing statement, the E.D.P.-M.I.S. Bureau assured the public that efforts are ongoing to safeguard its systems. 

“We assure the public that protecting the integrity and availability of our systems remains a top priority. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary,” it said, while also expressing gratitude for public understanding.