MANILA, Philippines – Two websites of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) were down on Friday, July 29, after hackers attacked the sites.
The PCIJ said in a post on its social media accounts that the attacks took place after it published reports on the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
"There has been an attack on our websites, www.pcij.org and www.pcij.org/blog. This is the reason why our sites are not accessible at this time," the PCIJ said.
Our websites have been attacked, following our stories on the drug war of the Duterte gov't, and "Know Your Rights" advisories for citizens. — PCIJ (@PCIJdotOrg) July 29, 2016
"The attack follows the publication of PCIJ reports on the drug war of the Duterte administration, and our 'Know Your Rights' advisories for citizens," it added.
PCIJ noted that "a phrase with explicit curse and threat has been written by the attackers into our stories."
Human rights advocates have called attention to the rising number of drug suspects killed since the new administration began its all-out war against drugs, many of them feared to be summary executions.
During the campaign and again after he assumed office, Duterte had promised policemen that he would protect them if they are hauled court or investigated for civilian deaths during police operations. He had also promised to grant a presidential pardon if these police officers are convicted. – Rappler.com