In a continuous bid to forge the next generation of top-tier cyber defenders, the Junior Information Systems Security Association (JISSA-APC) teamed up with global cybersecurity powerhouse Resecurity to host an intense, two-day Capture the Flag (CTF) event for Asia Pacific College students.
Held on September 17-18, 2026, the high-stakes event transformed Room 502 of the Security Operations Center (SOC) Laboratory into a dynamic digital battleground. Demonstrating a seamless synergy between industry and academia, Resecurity provided the cutting-edge resources and platform for the event, while JISSA-APC flawlessly orchestrated the logistics from the ground up.
Day 1: Masterclasses in Cyber Defense Before the students could conquer the digital realm, they had to sharpen their arsenals. The first day featured a rigorous, 3-hour intensive workshop led by a formidable lineup of industry experts. Students were immersed in advanced defensive and offensive tactics across three core domains:
- Cryptography: Lt. Col. Carlos Ely Tingson (Ret.)
- Web Exploitation: Sgt. Jomari Catungal
- Digital Forensics: Mr. Akash Rosen
Day 2: The CTF Battleground With their skills honed, the student teams entered the CTF Proper on the second day. For 3 hours and 40 minutes, the SOC Lab crackled with energy as participants navigated complex vulnerabilities, deciphered cryptographic puzzles, and tracked digital footprints in a grueling test of endurance and technical prowess.
When the dust settled, three teams emerged victorious, proving their mastery over the realm:
- 1st Place – Champions: Base67, led by Jhon Lloyd Nicolas (4000 pts)
- 2nd Place: CYNEXT, led by Miles Angelo Gemillan (3000 pts)
- 3rd Place: Hansa, led by Vince Nelmar Alobin (2500 pts)
Beyond the team victories, two exceptional students shared the spotlight as the undisputed Top Scorers of the tournament. In a spectacular tie, Jhon Lloyd Nicolas (Base67) and Vince Nelmar Alobin (Hansa) both racked up an impressive 2500 points for their respective teams, showcasing extraordinary individual talent and tactical problem-solving.
By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and high-pressure practical application, this collaborative event by JISSA-APC and Resecurity further solidifies Asia Pacific College’s commitment to producing the nation’s premier cybersecurity champions.
