Southeast Asian Sites Hacked Before Global Anonymous Protest

The Anonymous hacker group has stepped up its criticism in the Philippines as President Benigno Aquino’s government remains embroiled in a scandal over the misuse of public funds. The mask of Guy Fawkes has become a symbol of the movement.

Anonymous Philippines said it infiltrated 115 government websites before a demonstration outside congress in Quezon City as part of a global “Million Mask March,” coinciding with Guy Fawkes Day in the U.K. The mask of Fawkes, who tried to blow up the English Parliament in the 17th century, has become a symbol of the movement. Seventy riot police were on hand at the start of the protest, outnumbering demonstrators more than 3-to-1.

Anonymous Philippines has called on the public to join the “revolution” today. “The government, in many ways, has failed its citizens,” the group said on its Facebook page. “Fairness, justice and freedom are more than just words.”