Five-Year Empirical Analysis of Cybercrime Victimization Trends in Pangasinan, Philippines

Five-Year Empirical Analysis of Cybercrime Victimization Trends in Pangasinan, Philippines

Claire D. Rufino^*, Michaella L. Viray, Riza Kristy P. Sindayen, Cinderella Macaraeg, Mark A. Diaz

Faculty, College of Criminal Justice Education, Pangasinan State University, Philippines

*Corresponding author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000355

Received: 06 September 2025; Accepted: 14 September 2025; Published: 11 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Rapid integration of digital technology into daily life has created unprecedented opportunities for communication, commerce, and learning. Still, it has also exposed individuals to the growing and persistent threat of cybercrime. This study examined cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024 by analyzing victim profiles, identifying common offenses, and determining whether significant variations occurred in reported cases over the five years. Using a descriptive quantitative design, the study analyzed secondary data from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office. Descriptive statistics and a One-Way ANOVA were employed to examine case profiles, trends, and yearly variations. Results revealed that adults aged 25–59, particularly females and employed individuals, were the most common victims, reflecting how online activity and financial stability increase vulnerability to online exploitation. Cyberbullying emerged as the most reported offense, peaking in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by online extortion and threats. Dagupan City registered the highest number of cases, while several municipalities reported only isolated incidents. Although fluctuations were noted, peaking at 32 cases in 2020 and declining afterward, the ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant difference across the five years, suggesting that such variations are normal rather than indicative of long-term trends. These findings highlight that cybercrime in Pangasinan remains a persistent problem, shaped by demographic vulnerabilities, digital dependence, and external factors such as the pandemic. The study emphasizes the need for sustained law enforcement capacity, gender-sensitive interventions, and public awareness programs to reduce risks and strengthen community resilience against cybercrime.

Keywords: cybercrimes, cybercrime trends, cyberbullying

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Technology has become one of the most significant global trends in the age of globalization, transforming economies, communication, and daily life. However, alongside its benefits, it has created new vulnerabilities that have fueled the rapid rise of cybercrime. Offenders exploit technological advancements, concealing their identities through fraudulent accounts and digital deception, making cybercrime difficult to investigate and resolve. Palatty (2024) projects that by 2031, cybercrime may victimize 10.26 billion people worldwide. In 2023 alone, the United States experienced the most expensive data breach, costing $5.09 million, while accounting for 41% of global phishing attacks.

Globally, cybercriminals exploit crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and climate-related emergencies to conduct phishing and fraud, often targeting charities or unsuspecting individuals for financial gain. Fraud-related cybercrime in the United States cost consumers $8.8 billion in 2022, a 30% increase from the previous year, while the FBI reported overall losses nearing $10 billion. Such attacks, including ransomware and phishing, not only inflict financial damage but also erode public trust and compromise cybersecurity on a global scale (Marozas, 2024). Because cybercrime transcends borders, international cooperation has become essential. INTERPOL facilitates this by coordinating operations, enabling secure data exchange, and training member countries to safeguard communities.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as one of the most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Gullapalli (2023) reports that in the first quarter of 2023, organizations in the region experienced an average of 1,835 cyberattacks weekly, compared to the global average of 1,248. In Southeast Asia, cases rose by 82% between 2021 and 2022, with Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam identified as cybercrime hubs (Brock, 2024). The Philippines, however, continues to grapple with persistent cybercrime challenges. The country’s vulnerability was first highlighted by the 2000 “I Love You” virus, created by Onel de Guzman, which spread worldwide and exposed the destructive reach of a single cyberattack. This incident prompted the passage of Republic Act 8792, or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, which recognized electronic transactions and signatures (Sosa, 2009).

Despite such legal measures, cybercrime in the Philippines has steadily increased. The Presidential Communications Office (2023) reported a 21% surge in cybercrime cases between 2022 and 2023, while Phil Star Global noted 3,668 incidents in the first quarter of 2023 alone, rising further in 2024. Regionally, distinct patterns of cyber-victimization have been observed. In 2019, Region 1 (Ilocos) recorded the highest number of cybercrime victims due to SMS and text fraud, with over 113,000 cases (Balita, 2021). Pangasinan, in particular, has been flagged as a hotspot for online fraud, including romance scams, fake job offers, investment schemes, and identity theft (Bombo Radyo, 2024).

Given these challenges, this study aims to examine cybercrime cases reported to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office from 2020 to 2024. By analyzing both incident trends and victim profiles, the research seeks to identify the factors that make individuals vulnerable to online crimes. The findings will support law enforcement in developing evidence-based strategies for cybercrime prevention and in strengthening community awareness to enhance digital safety in the province.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Understanding the profiles of cybercrime victims is essential in designing targeted interventions. Elegbe (2024) highlighted how routine online activities—such as excessive use of social media, online shopping, and oversharing personal information—heighten vulnerability to cybercrime. The study also noted gender-based differences, with women more prone to cyberstalking and harassment. Similarly, Jardine (n.d.) underscored the need for gender-sensitive prevention policies, stressing the heightened risks faced by women and marginalized groups in online spaces. These findings emphasize that victimization is not evenly distributed but shaped by both digital behavior and social identity.

Problematic social media use (PSMU) has also been identified as a significant risk factor. Marttila et al. (2021) demonstrated that unhealthy social media engagement encourages reckless behaviors, such as oversharing and interacting with unverified links, which increase exposure to threats like phishing and identity theft. Echoing this, Rufino and Moyao’s (2025) study in Northern Luzon found that although cybercrime awareness among college students is increasing, many continue to engage in risky behaviors on social media and in online financial transactions, making them susceptible to victimization.

A recurring theme across studies is the role of cybersecurity awareness. Ahmead et al. (2024) reported that students often use weak passwords, click on malicious links, or disclose sensitive information due to limited cybersecurity knowledge. These practices heighten their vulnerability to hacking and phishing attacks. Beyond prevention, awareness also affects reporting behavior. Van de Weijer et al. (2020) revealed that the nature and severity of cybercrimes—and whether victims personally know the offender—strongly influence whether incidents are reported. They further noted a gap between the intent to report and actual reporting, suggesting that education must be coupled with stronger institutional support to encourage victim reporting.

At the national level, cybercrime has been identified as a grave threat to security and economic stability. Attacks on critical infrastructures and classified defense systems weaken fiscal stability, reduce the country’s capacity to respond to foreign invasions, and compromise confidential data (Li, 2021). The inability of the Philippines to fully address cybercrime due to limited ICT laws, budget constraints, and weak institutional coordination further erodes investor confidence and leaves essential industries like banking, BPOs, and IT particularly vulnerable (Li, 2021).

At the policy level, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175) stands as the Philippines’ principal legislation against online offenses such as cyber libel, identity theft, child exploitation, and online fraud, with provisions for electronic evidence collection and international cooperation (Comia et al., 2018; Reyes, 2024). It has been applied in high-profile cases, including Maria Ressa’s cyber libel conviction, child exploitation rulings, and the 2023 Las Piñas POGO raid (Global Freedom of Expression, 2020; Caliwan, 2023). Despite its broad coverage and protective intent, scholars highlight persistent gaps: vague provisions threatening press freedom, technological obsolescence, cross-border enforcement challenges, limited resources, and civil liberties concerns (Abante & Vigonte, 2024). Reyes (2024) emphasizes the need for updated laws, stronger enforcement, and public education to empower victims, while Borwell et al. (2024) stress that cybercrime’s impact extends beyond financial loss to psychological harm, including shame and feelings of violation. These insights point to the necessity of coupling legislative reform and technical measures with trauma-informed support systems to address the multidimensional consequences of cybercrime.

While international studies have provided valuable insights into behavioral, gender, and awareness factors linked to victimization, there remains a research gap in the Philippine context. Most existing literature has not sufficiently examined the detailed demographic and behavioral profiles of high-risk Filipino victims. This lack of localized data limits the design of culturally responsive and targeted interventions. By profiling victims within the Philippine setting, this study seeks to bridge that gap and contribute to evidence-based strategies that address both the technical and psychosocial dimensions of cybercrime.

Conceptual Framework

This study is primarily anchored on Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which provides the legal foundation for addressing cybercrime in the Philippines. The Act seeks to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of data and communication systems, while enhancing the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes. It categorizes offenses into three main areas: (1) offenses against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer data and systems, including unauthorized access, interception, and data/system disruption; (2) computer-related offenses, such as forgery, fraud, and identity theft conducted through digital means; and (3) content-related offenses, including cybersex, child pornography, and cyber libel.

Within this framework, cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan is examined in terms of incidence, types of offenses, and victim profiles between 2020 and 2024. The independent variable is the implementation of RA 10175, which defines punishable acts and prescribes institutional measures for cybercrime prevention and response. The dependent variable is the extent and nature of cybercrime victimization in the province, measured through reported cases and victim characteristics. The framework assumes that the provisions and enforcement mechanisms under RA 10175 influence the detection, reporting, and prosecution of cybercrime incidents.

By situating the study within the legal provisions of RA 10175, this framework highlights the link between law enforcement mechanisms (anchored on the Act), the patterns of cybercrime victimization observed in Pangasinan, and the resulting implications for strengthening local cybercrime prevention strategies.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

Figure 1 illustrates the framework to be used by the study. The framework illustrates how Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, categorizes cyber offenses into CIA offenses (e.g., unauthorized access, unlawful interception, system disruption), computer-related offenses (e.g., forgery, fraud, identity theft), and content-related offenses (e.g., cybersex, child pornography, cyber libel). These categories provide the lens for examining cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024, particularly in terms of incident types and frequency, victim profiles, and reporting trends. By linking the national law to local experiences, the framework emphasizes the implications for law enforcement and prevention strategies, highlighting the need for stronger investigative capacity, enhanced digital literacy, and coordinated community-based interventions to effectively address the province’s evolving cybercrime challenges.

Statement of the Problem

This research aims to analyze the data on cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of cybercrime victims in Pangasinan from 2022 to 2024?
2. What are the cybercrimes committed in Pangasinan from 2020-2024?
   1. Is there a significant difference in cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020-2024?

Hypothesis

There is no statistically significant difference in the level of cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan between 2020 and 2024.

Significance of the Study

This research is conducted for the benefit of the following:

Communities. This study will help in understanding more about cybercrimes. By understanding this, they can also prevent themselves from being victimized. This will help them reduce victimization by taking preventive measures and fostering digital safety.

Local Government Units (LGUs): The research will help local governments in Pangasinan create programs to protect the community from cybercrime. This could include making rules for online safety and teaching people about it, which will help keep the community safe from cybercrime.

Police Community. This study will greatly help law enforcement agencies by providing timely data on cybercrime trends, victim profiles, and common crime types. It will improve investigations, assist in developing prevention measures, and support the creation of specialized training for police officers to better handle cybercrime cases.

Future Researchers. The study might also serve as a future reference for researchers to continue probing into the victimization of cybercrime. Such studies could also facilitate further research efforts to derive more innovative solutions or at least refined strategies to combat cybercrime.

Lawmakers. The findings from this study can help lawmakers develop more effective policies and laws to address cybercrime and protect citizens, ensuring adequate safeguards against rising cyber threats.

METHODOLOGY

This chapter focuses on the research design, the study’s locale, respondents, instrumentation, data gathering procedure, and the statistical treatment of data used in the proposed undertaking.

Research Design

This study adopts a descriptive quantitative research design to analyze cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024. This approach is appropriate for systematically evaluating secondary data, enabling the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical information. It facilitates the identification of patterns and trends in the types and frequency of cybercrime across the province. Without manipulating variables, the study offers an objective understanding of the scope and nature of cybercrime, supporting data-driven conclusions.

Population and Locale of the Study

The study was conducted in Pangasinan, a province in the Ilocos Region on the western part of Luzon, Philippines, comprising 44 municipalities and 4 component cities. Its large and diverse population, spanning both urban and rural areas, provides a broad context for analyzing cybercrime victimization patterns. With increasing internet usage and expanding digital presence, Pangasinan is a relevant locale for examining the nature and circumstances of cybercrime.

Data were obtained from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO), specifically the Police Investigation Development Management Unit (PIDMU), which maintains official records of reported cybercrime cases. No direct respondents were involved; instead, secondary data were collected with permission from the Provincial Director. The PIDMU was selected as the primary source due to its responsibility for managing comprehensive records necessary for the study’s objectives, particularly in identifying the frequency and victim profiles of cybercrime cases in the province.

Instrumentation

This study utilized secondary data to examine cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024. Data were sourced from official records, reports, and databases maintained by the Police Investigation Development Management Unit (PIDMU) of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) in Lingayen, Pangasinan. These records included detailed information on the frequency, types, and victim profiles of reported cybercrime cases. The data were systematically categorized by year, municipality, and victim characteristics. Reliability was ensured by using official and verified sources, allowing for accurate statistical analysis and interpretation.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers formally requested access to reported cybercrime data from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) by submitting a letter specifying the period of interest. Upon approval by the Provincial Director, they were referred to the Police Investigation Development Management Unit (PIDMU) for data collection. The retrieved data included information on the types, frequency, and victim profiles of cybercrime cases from 2020 to 2024. These data were then systematically processed and organized for analysis.

Treatment of Data

In order to provide a clear and concise overview of the prevalence and distribution of cybercrime within the province, this study used descriptive statistical methods. The descriptive statistical method refers to the process of summarizing and analyzing cybercrime victimization data in Pangasinan between 2020 and 2024. It entails organizing data using frequency distribution, percentages, and trend analysis to detect patterns, the most common cybercrimes, and changes over time. This method is essential as it provides a clear and systematic presentation of cybercrime incidents, helping to determine significant differences in victimization rates across different years. By using descriptive statistics, the study can effectively interpret the extent and profiles of cybercrime victimization in Pangasinan without making predictions or establishing causal relationships.

In addition, a One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were significant differences in the frequency of cybercrime incidents over the five years.

Where:

Between-Group Variance – measures the variation in cybercrime frequencies across the five years.

Within-Group Variance – measures variation within the data for each year.

If the results show significant differences, post-hoc tests were performed to identify which years differ significantly.

These statistical treatments are intended to provide thorough insights into the dynamics of cybercrime victimization, providing useful information for law enforcement agencies to develop strategic interventions.

Ethical Considerations

The researchers strictly adhered to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to ensure the lawful and ethical use of data. All personal information was kept confidential to protect the identities of individuals involved. Data collection was conducted with the necessary approvals from the Police Investigation Development Management Unit (PIDMU) of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO), ensuring compliance with legal and institutional requirements. The authenticity and integrity of the data were prioritized to guarantee that the analysis was based on credible and unaltered sources. Findings were presented objectively, free from personal bias or opinion, to avoid misinformation or stigmatization. Additionally, ethical clearance was secured from the Research Ethics Board of Pangasinan State University–Binmaley Campus. The researchers also considered the broader societal impact of the study, presenting results in a responsible manner that supports informed and constructive discourse. Through these measures, the study upheld research integrity and maintained high ethical standards.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the gathered data, analysis of data, and interpretation of findings by the study objectives stated in the first chapter.

Cybercrime Victimization Profile

To identify the profiling of cybervictimization, three categories were made, namely age, sex, and employment status, to assess which were most likely to be victimized by cybercrime across the five years. Figure 2 shows the segregation of victims based on age.

Figure 2. Age Group of Cybercrime Victims

Age

The figure presents the age distribution of cybercrime victims in Pangasinan based on 105 reported cases. The highest number of victims belonged to the 21–30 age group, accounting for 28 cases or 26.67% of the total, followed by the 31–40 age group with 22 cases (20.95%), and the 11–20 age group with 18 cases (17.14%). This indicates that young adults and teenagers are the most frequently victimized, likely due to their heavy use of social media and online platforms. The age range of 18 to 25 is the most susceptible to cyberbullying. Personality qualities, attitudes toward anonymity, online content, social support, social media use, and emotional reactions are all linked to a higher prevalence. Compared to men, women are more likely to become victims of cyberattacks. Depression, anxiety, cyberaggression, and emotional and psychological discomfort are the results (Rathore & Thomas, 2024).

Middle-aged groups also appeared vulnerable, with 15 victims aged 51–60 (14.29%) and 9 victims aged 41–50 (8.57%). In relation to the study of Burton et al (2022), social isolation, health risks, memory loss, financial status, a lack of cybersecurity knowledge or skills, societal attitudes, and scam content are the seven cybercrime risk factors for older adults.

Meanwhile, seniors aged 61–70 and 71–80 accounted for 8 (7.62%) and 2 (1.90%) cases, respectively, while 3 cases (2.86%) had unidentified age data. These findings suggest that although all age groups are affected, cybercrime most often targets individuals in their teens to early adulthood, emphasizing the need for digital safety education, particularly focused on these active internet users.

It was also found in the results of the study of Kemp and Perez (2023) that, similar to both overall and online fraud victimization, the age group patterns show that the age group of 35 to 49 has the highest prevalence in each fraud category, while the age group of 65 and older has the lowest percentage.

According to a September 2023 survey by Statista, around three out of ten American adults (31%) reported being victims of financial fraud or cybercrime.  The findings showed that those between the ages of 35 and 54 were the most affected, with 36% of those surveyed reporting having encountered such incidents. In contrast, only 22% of people between the ages of 18 and 34 said they had been victims, suggesting that younger adults were less likely to be victims of financial cybercrime. According to these results, middle-aged people can be more vulnerable to or the focus of online financial threats than younger individuals.

Sex

Figure 3 presents the distribution of cybercrime victims by sex. The data reveal that females are significantly more affected, accounting for 75.24% (79 cases) of the total 105 recorded cases. In contrast, males constitute 24.76% (26 cases). This indicates that women are more frequently victimized by cybercrime compared to men.

Figure 3. Sex Profile of Cybercrime Victims

To substantiate the findings, Malakar and Das (2024) concluded that women are more vulnerable to cybercrime due to their heightened sensitivity, susceptibility to stress, and tendency to trust others with their personal property. The rising incidence of cybercrimes against women underscores the urgent need for preventive measures specifically designed to address gender-related risks. Although cybercrime is strictly prohibited by law, the enforcement of such regulations remains challenging.

Separately, Ghani and Ghazali (2020) emphasized that the personal behaviors and attitudes of young women significantly contribute to their vulnerability in cyberspace. Their limited awareness of the online environment makes them susceptible to fraud, such as online shopping scams and international schemes like the African scam. Over-trust in virtual acquaintances and susceptibility to persuasive online advertisements further heighten these risks. The frequent posting of personal images on social media exposes them to hacking, defamation, and sexual harassment. Likewise, sharing details of their private lives on online platforms renders them vulnerable to abuse and criticism from other users. These behavioral and social factors suggest that preventive interventions must also address risky online practices, with emphasis on education and awareness.

Women, more than men, are disproportionately affected by issues such as identity theft and cyberbullying, making them frequent targets of cyberviolence in an increasingly digital world. This highlights the necessity of preventive strategies that explicitly account for women’s unique vulnerabilities, coupled with the imposition of stricter penalties on offenders. In addition, initiatives that promote gender-sensitive digital literacy, privacy awareness, and access to legal remedies are vital in empowering women to navigate cyberspace more safely.

Employment Status

Figure 4 presents the distribution of cybercrime victims based on their employment status.

Figure 4. Employment Status of Cybercrime Victims

This data suggests that cybercrime affects people across different employment statuses, with employed individuals being the most targeted. To compare the financial stability between employed and unemployed individuals, cybercriminals have a greater chance of gaining financially from employed individuals. In addition, employed individuals are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to their steady income and access to financial resources, such as bank accounts and credit cards. They also often have sensitive work-related information, including company data and passwords, which cybercriminals may attempt to exploit. Additionally, many employed individuals use online banking and manage finances digitally, making them vulnerable to fraud and theft in lucrative online systems. According to Voce and Morgan (2023), victims were more likely to use higher-risk online behaviors, spend more time online, and participate in leisure online activities than non-victims. Home-based small-to-medium business owners were more likely to fall victim.

Employed individuals are the ideal targets of cybercriminals, as according to the study of Sunny (2023), financial cybercrime has a significant influence on the economy.  They cause significant financial losses, both for people who fall victim to fraud and for corporations and financial institutions targeted by sophisticated attacks.  These losses spread across the economy, affecting productivity, investment decisions, and consumer confidence.  The consequences of financial cybercrime go beyond immediate financial loss.  They diminish trust in online transactions, resulting in lower uptake of digital services and slowing economic growth.  The reputational harm incurred by affected firms can have long-term effects, such as customer loss and reduced investor confidence.

Furthermore, Mao and Liu (2023) discovered that, whereas educational attainment and hukou status were not directly related to financial fraud victimization, household financial assets per capita were positively associated with the probability of financial fraud victimization.  Furthermore, higher educational attainment, urban hukou, and greater financial assets per capita were related to an increased risk of financial fraud victimization due to higher levels of financial knowledge and interest in financial affairs.

Cybercrimes Committed in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024

The recorded data of the PPPO reveal fluctuations in the number of recorded cybercrime cases in Pangasinan over the five years, as illustrated by Figure 5.

Figure 5. Trend of Recorded Cybercrimes in Pangasinan from 2020 – 2024

Cybercrime under Republic Act 10175 has been documented in Pangasinan with a total of 100 recorded incidents from 2020 to 2024. However, the true extent of cybercrime is likely much greater, as underreporting remains a persistent challenge in global cybercrime research and law enforcement (Button et al., 2014; Holt & Bossler, 2016).

The data show fluctuations in reported cases over the five years. The highest number of cases was in 2020 (32), coinciding with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital reliance for communication, work, education, and business heightened exposure to cyber threats. A decline followed in 2021 (23 cases) and reached the lowest point in 2022 (12 cases). By 2023 (16 cases) and 2024 (17 cases), however, cybercrime cases modestly increased again, reflecting that while pandemic-related risks subsided, cybercrime persisted as an ongoing threat. Several factors explain this pattern: reduced dependence on digital platforms as restrictions eased, heightened public awareness of online safety, and institutional improvements such as the establishment of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group’s satellite office in Dagupan City—the Pangasinan Provincial Cyber Response Team (PPCRT)—which expanded local capacity to respond to cyber threats (Sandoval, 2023).

Still, the reported decline in 2022 may not fully capture the real situation. Underreporting is a major concern. Many individuals fail to recognize certain acts—such as phishing or unauthorized access—as crimes, leading to unreported incidents (Button et al., 2014). Others are deterred by stigma and shame, particularly in romance scams or financial fraud (Cross et al., 2016). In addition, skepticism toward authorities—whether due to lengthy investigations, limited expertise, or transnational challenges—discourages victims from filing complaints (Holt & Bossler, 2016). Sensitive cases such as cyberstalking or online sexual exploitation are also often left unreported out of fear of reprisal or further humiliation (Leukfeldt et al., 2017). Before the PPCRT’s establishment, victims had to travel to La Union to file cases, creating additional barriers that further suppressed reporting (Most cybercrime victims reported in Pangasinan, 2023).

Taken together, these dynamics suggest that the observed fluctuations from 2020 to 2022 may reflect changes in reporting behavior rather than actual crime incidence. The modest increase in 2023–2024 could therefore represent not only rising cases but also improved reporting channels and awareness campaigns. Ultimately, the official statistics may underestimate the true scope of cybercrime in Pangasinan, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring, stronger enforcement, and comprehensive victim-support systems.

Frequency of cybercrime per municipality

It presents the breakdown of reported cases per year of recorded cybercrime incidents across the different municipal police stations in Pangasinan from 2020 – 2024.

Table 1. Top 5 Municipalities/Cities in Pangasinan with Recorded Cybercrimes under RA 10175 (2020–2024)

Table 1 presents the top five municipalities and cities in Pangasinan with the highest number of cybercrime cases reported from 2020 to 2024 under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175). The data reveal that Dagupan City (14 cases) and Urdaneta City (13 cases) consistently reported the highest incidences, followed closely by Lingayen (11 cases), Asingan (6 cases), and Bani (6 cases). The remaining 21 municipalities and cities, collectively categorized as “Others,” accounted for 50 cases, or half of the total recorded incidents.

The higher prevalence of cybercrime in Dagupan and Urdaneta may be explained by their population density and urban development. Dagupan, recognized as the commercial and educational hub of Pangasinan, hosts major universities, business establishments, and financial institutions, creating a larger pool of potential targets for cybercrime (Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], 2021; Dagupan City Government, 2023). Similarly, Urdaneta serves as the gateway to Northern Luzon and is known as a trading and service center, where the concentration of economic activity and widespread internet use heighten exposure to online threats (Department of Trade and Industry [DTI], 2022).

In addition, Lingayen, being the provincial capital, also recorded significant cases. As the seat of the provincial government, it is home to various institutions that handle sensitive data, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Meanwhile, municipalities such as Asingan and Bani reported moderate levels, likely due to increasing internet adoption and the spread of digital platforms even in rural areas.

The concentration of cases in urbanized and economically vibrant centers reflects a broader trend observed globally: cybercrime tends to be higher in areas with greater connectivity, business activities, and population density (Holt & Bossler, 2016). This suggests that cybercrime prevention strategies in Pangasinan should prioritize resource allocation in highly urbanized areas while simultaneously expanding awareness and capacity-building initiatives across smaller municipalities.

Figure 6. Case Status of the recorded Cybercrimes

Among the 100 reported cases, 51% of cases are considered cleared, consisting of libel, cyber-libel, and cyber-bullying as the highest cleared cases, which means that suspects have been identified, but further action—such as prosecution or resolution—is still pending. These cases may require additional legal procedures or further cooperation from the victims and authorities to proceed. Meanwhile, 41% have been solved, consisting of cyber-bullying and cyber-scamming as the highest solved cases, meaning they were resolved through various means. Out of 41% solved cases, some cases resulted in the arrest of suspects, indicating successful law enforcement operations leading to legal action. Another was amicably settled, suggesting that both parties reached an agreement without further legal proceedings. However, some victims refused to file charges, which is due to insufficient evidence and a lack of interest of the victims. Lastly, 8% of cases remain under investigation, which are cyber-scamming, libel, and cyber-identity theft, indicating that they are still in the early stages of evidence gathering and suspect identification. The status of these cases emphasizes the challenges in fully resolving cybercrimes, such as securing digital evidence, and encouraging victims to pursue legal action.

These findings emphasize the need for stronger cybercrime investigative strategies, victim support programs, and public awareness campaigns to ensure that more cases reach full resolution in order to lessen and eradicate cybercrime cases.

Most common cybercrime committed from 2020-2024

This section presents the findings on which specific cybercrimes were most prevalent during the five years.

Table 2. Reported Cybercrime Cases in Pangasinan

Among the documented offenses, cyberbullying emerged as the most common, with 25 recorded cases, peaking in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The increase was linked to limited parental monitoring, the absence of structured digital safety education, heavy reliance on social media, and remote learning environments. Young people and students were particularly vulnerable, making cyberbullying both more prevalent and more visible than other forms of cybercrime. In contrast, libel (21 cases) ranked second, followed by cyber-scamming (18 cases), reflecting persistent patterns of online fraud. Defamation-related crimes, such as cyber-libel (12 cases), also showed growth and are projected to peak in 2024.

Although less frequent, sensitive crimes such as child abuse, coercion, extortion, grave threats, malicious mischief, physical injury, unjust vexation, and voyeurism involving photos or videos were also reported. Their relatively low numbers may be attributed to underreporting, as victims often face fear, shame, or distrust in authorities, making them reluctant to disclose such experiences.

The prominence of cyberbullying in the data is supported by prior research. Javed et al. (2022) emphasized that online bullying occurs more often than commonly assumed, posing serious risks for teenagers, young adults, and frequent social media users. Giumetti and Kowalski (2022) similarly found that while social media fosters connectivity, it can also fuel cyberbullying, resulting in negative consequences such as damaged relationships and psychological distress for both victims and perpetrators. Complementing these findings, Rattanawiboonsom et al. (2025) observed a surge of research on mobile technologies and cyberbullying in the past decade, identifying clusters around its prevalence, links to social media use, and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Their study highlighted age and gender as key determinants of cyberbullying involvement and noted that the widespread use of mobile devices has significantly shaped cyberbullying trends.

The findings of Brucal et al. (2025) align closely with cybercrime trends in Pangasinan, where recent cases highlight both the promise and the limitations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Arrests in San Carlos City for unlicensed cryptocurrency schemes, a cyber libel case in Alaminos, and the opening of a PNP Anti-Cybercrime satellite office in Dagupan illustrate the importance of legal clarity, capacity-building, and local enforcement. At the same time, advisories from the Provincial Cyber Response Team, LGU-led digital training in Calasiao, and school-based awareness seminars in San Fabian affirm the value of digital literacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Yet, challenges such as resource gaps and the difficulty of balancing security with civil liberties are equally evident in the province. Pangasinan thus reflects the broader national reality that while Republic Act No. 10175 provides a strong foundation, its effectiveness depends on stronger institutional capacity, and gender- and community-responsive strategies to ensure digital safety for all.

Significant Difference in Cybercrime Victimization from 2020 to 2024

The data analyzed the yearly variation in reported cybercrime cases in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024 using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The table detailed the between-group and within-group variances.

The between-group sum of squares (SS = 2.6144) indicates the total variation in cybercrime case averages between different years, while the degrees of freedom (df = 4) correspond to the number of years minus one. The mean square (MS = 0.6539) is the average variation between the yearly group means. On the other hand, the within-group sum of squares (SS = 79.4512) measures the variation within each year’s data, and its degrees of freedom (df = 56) reflect the total number of data points across years minus the number of groups. The resulting within-group mean square (MS = 1.4188) shows how spread out the data is within each year.

The F-statistic of 0.4606 compares the between-group variance to the within-group variance. Since this value is much lower than the critical F-value of 2.5366, it indicates that any differences in means across years are not statistically significant. Furthermore, the P-value of 0.7642 is far above the conventional significance level of alpha, which is 0.05, meaning there is strong evidence to accept the null hypothesis.

Therefore, the analysis confirms that there is no significant difference in the number of reported cybercrime cases from 2020 to 2024. The fluctuations observed across the years are likely due to normal variation rather than any real change in the pattern of cybercrime occurrence in the province. Various municipal police stations have reported fluctuating levels of cybercrime cases. In 2020, Dagupan City recorded the highest number of cybercrime incidents. The trend continued in 202, with both Dagupan city and Lingayen emerging as the top areas for reported cybercrime cases. In 2022, Bani joined Dagupan City in registering the highest cybercrime reports. By 2023, Asingan took the lead in cybercrime cases, while in 2024, Lingayen recorded the highest number of reported incidents, indicating a shift in cybercrime activity across different municipalities over the years. Moreover, from 2020-2024, the nature of cybercrime has shown notable shifts in reported cases. In both 2020 and 2021, cyber-bullying emerged as the most reported cybercrime, reflecting increasing concerns over online harassment. In 2022, cyber-bullying remained prevalent, but cyber-scamming also rose significantly, indicating a diversification in online criminal activities. By 2023, libel became the most reported cybercrime, followed by cyber-libel in 2024, suggesting a growing trend of defamatory acts committed through digital platforms.

Therefore, the data revealed that while the geographic hotspot for cybercrime shifts each year, the nature of offense is also evolving- from harassment and bullying to fraud and digital defamation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

The study indicates that cybercrime in Pangasinan from 2020 to 2024 is influenced by demographic vulnerabilities and contextual factors related to the pandemic and post-pandemic conditions. Individuals aged 25–59, especially women and those in employment, represent the predominant victims, highlighting the influence of socio-demographic factors like technological engagement, financial stability, and online behavior on vulnerability to cyber threats. The disproportionate victimization of women underscores ongoing gendered risks in cyberspace, notably through scams, harassment, and identity theft.

The analysis of reported incidents indicates that cybercrime reached its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with increased dependence on digital platforms due to restrictions. This trend subsequently declined as health measures were relaxed and institutional responses, including the formation of the Pangasinan Provincial Cyber Response Team, were enhanced. Most cases, however, remained unresolved, indicating ongoing challenges in the enforcement, investigation, and resolution of cybercrimes. Cyberbullying emerged as the most frequently reported offense, highlighting the social aspect of online harm, whereas extortion and threats suggest the existence of financially and psychologically motivated cyber offenses.

Statistical analysis indicated that fluctuations in cybercrime rates from 2020 to 2024 were not significantly different, implying that, despite short-term variations, cybercrime persists as an issue without a distinct upward or downward trend. This underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance, capacity-building, and public awareness instead of dependence on transient reductions associated with external factors like pandemic conditions.

The findings indicate that cybercrime in Pangasinan is a complex issue influenced by demographic vulnerabilities, technological reliance, and enforcement capabilities. Enhancing preventive education, augmenting investigative resources, and promoting gender-sensitive interventions are essential for effectively tackling the persistent and evolving challenges posed by cybercrime.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to guide future research.

1. Conduct sustained public awareness and digital literacy campaigns, especially for women and working adults, to strengthen knowledge of safe online practices.
2. Develop gender-sensitive interventions, including specialized reporting mechanisms and support services for women disproportionately affected by cybercrime.
3. Strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement through continuous training, enhanced digital forensic tools, and improved case management systems to resolve incidents more efficiently.
4. Encourage collaboration among LGUs, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, schools, and private institutions to harmonize anti-cybercrime initiatives, adopt local ordinances addressing specific online offenses, and establish community-based cyber safety networks through schools, barangays, and local governments.
5. Establish a provincial cybercrime database and support further academic research to monitor trends and guide effective policy responses.

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