A four-member Philippine team won the 2026 Cyber SEA Game, an annual cybersecurity competition for students and young engineers from Asean member states.
The team members were identified through regional competitions organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The results were announced on Oct. 27 during the reception of the Asean-Japan Cybersecurity Policy Meeting at Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park in Thailand.
Singapore finished as first runner-up, followed by Malaysia in second place.
The Philippine team comprised Audre D. Montero of the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City; Justin Clark H. Ong of Asia Pacific College in Makati City; Jiandale Ambal of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology; and Glenn Castillejo of the University of Perpetual Help in Cauayan, Isabela.
They were accompanied by Rhean Joy B. Acupido, assistant school director of the University of Perpetual Help System in Cauayan.
The Cyber SEA Game uses a “Capture the Flag” format, in which participants solve technical challenges across various cybersecurity disciplines.
The competition was organized by the Asean-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre with support from the Japanese government.
Angel S. Averia Jr, president of the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PhCERT) and national chairperson of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), welcomed the team’s victory.
“I am delighted that Team Philippines captured first place in this year’s Cyber SEA Game,” Averia said, adding that the win showed that cybersecurity talent can be developed outside Metro Manila.
“This victory proves that our country has young, rising talent in cybersecurity, and not only in Metro Manila but in Baguio, Isabela, and Mindanao,” Averia said.
“Laws can require us to protect our critical systems and personal data, and technology can give us the tools, but public trust ultimately rests on people with the skill and integrity to defend them.
“That is why PhCERT, the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (Nadpop), and Namfrel partner with schools. Giving students real problems to solve is one of the ways we can help nurture that talent.”
Ong, a recent Asia Pacific College graduate, previously helped develop data analytics tools and dashboards for Namfrel during the 2025 national and local elections. The tools supported the organization’s election-monitoring activities.
Averia urged government agencies to provide more support for cybersecurity education and training.
“We call on the relevant government agencies to support our state universities and colleges and our private academic institutions in developing the cybersecurity capabilities the country very much needs as we face growing challenges in the cyber domain.”
