PCIJ Websites Attacked

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – The Manila-based Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reported an attack on its websites — www.pcij.org and www.pcij.org/blog. CMFR confirmed the incident with PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas.

PCIJ on its Facebook page said “A phrase with explicit curse and threat has been written by the attackers into our stories.” The websites remain inaccessible as of press time.

Prior to the attack, PCIJ published reports on the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, as well as advisories on citizen’s rights during police operations and custodial investigation based on primers by the Free Legal Assistance Group. PCIJ, a member of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition, also posted the latter’s statement lauding the executive order on Freedom of Information signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last July 24.

Below is PCIJ’s public advisory:

“There has been an attack on our web sites, www.pcij.org and www.pcij.org/blog. This is the reason why our sites are not accessible at this time.

“The attack follows the publication of  PCIJ reports on the drug war of the Duterte administration, and our “Know Your Rights” advisories for citizens.

 “We hope to go back online shortly.”