‘OJO Gang’ Clinches 1st Runner-Up at Hack4Gov ‘25

In a robust display of digital prowess and tactical defense, students from the Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) Department of Computer Science (DCS) asserted their dominance in the regional cybersecurity arena, with OJO Gang securing the 1st Runner-Up title at the Hack4Gov Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Competition 2025.

Held on December 5, 2025, at the Villa Caceres Hotel, the event pitted the top 12 finalist teams from across the Bicol Region against one another. Organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region V, the competition served as a grueling test of skill, endurance, and problem-solving under the theme, "Cyber Guardians: Empowering Today’s Defenders, Securing Tomorrow’s Digital Nation."

OJO Gang Takes the Podium
Leading the charge for Ateneo de Naga was OJO Gang. The team navigated complex security challenges to finish second overall. The team was anchored by Gabriel Catimbang, whose exceptional performance earned him the distinction of having the 3rd Highest Individual Score in the entire regional tilt. He was supported by teammates Selwyn Lao, Miguel Pajarillo, and Jerry Xu, whose combined efforts were critical in solving the capture-the-flag challenges that ranged from cryptography to web vulnerability exploitation.

Hackables Showcases Individual Brilliance
The university’s strong showing was further bolstered by team Hackables. While OJO Gang took the podium, Hackables similarly demonstrated mastery in cybersecurity challenges.

Notably, team member Marc Matthew Bagasbas achieved the 4th Highest Individual Score, placing immediately behind his fellow Atenean, Catimbang. Bagasbas was joined by John Francis Mendoza, John Francis Reyes, and Samuel Belen, rounding out a contingent that kept AdNU competitive throughout the eight-hour marathon.

Both teams were mentored and coached by DCS Faculty member Adrian Leo Pajarillo.

Hack4Gov continues to serve as a premier platform for building cybersecurity awareness and capability among students. By exposing participants to the types of digital threats facing today’s industries and governments, the competition bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

With two teams performing at a high level and securing top individual rankings, AdNU continues to solidify its reputation as a training ground for the next generation of "Cyber Guardians" ready to secure the nation's digital future.