📄 Abstract
The rapid development of information and communication technologies has increased the complexity of cybercrime and placed continuing demands on law enforcement agencies. In the Philippines, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is responsible for preventing, investigating, and responding to cybercrime incidents. This study explored the lived experiences of PNP-ACG personnel in combating cybercrime, identified the challenges they encounter, and examined how these challenges affect the efficiency and effectiveness of cybercrime investigation and case development. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) selected PNP-ACG personnel who had direct involvement in cybercrime investigation and related operational functions. The participants were purposively selected based on established inclusion criteria, and the interview data were analyzed using the six-phase thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke (2021). The findings showed that cybercrime investigation is characterized by operational complexity, continuous technological change, and the need for sustained learning and adaptation. The major challenges identified involved technical and digital forensic limitations, gaps in specialized training and skills development, legal and procedural requirements, organizational constraints, and barriers to inter-agency coordination. These challenges were reported to contribute to investigative delays, difficulties in evidence handling and case development, effects on investigator performance and professional resilience, and concerns regarding the long-term effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement. Based on the findings, the Cybercrime Investigation Capability Enhancement Program (CICEP) was proposed, focusing on capability development and specialized training, advanced technical and digital forensic resources, policy and procedural reforms, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and organizational modernization and resource enhancement.
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📚 How to Cite:
Angelica Mae L. Volante , CHALLENGES FACED BY THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ANTI-CYBERCRIME GROUP IN COMBATING CYBERCRIME , Volume 12 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 685 - 691 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31659