MANILA. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a probe into the possible masterminds and financiers behind the widespread dissemination of fake news on social media.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the agency is investigating whether individuals or groups are financially backing vloggers to spread false information online. The move follows the recent arrest of a fake news vlogger in Cebu, who denied being paid or working under anyone’s directives.
“We are already monitoring at least 20 vloggers suspected of engaging in the spread of fake news. They are on our list, and we have identified them,” Santiago said.
He emphasized that the agency’s technical intelligence and cybercrime divisions have been directed to take decisive action. “We want these individuals to know that we are serious about this,” he added.
Intensified Crackdown on Disinformation
Santiago also revealed that both lesser-known and high-profile personalities involved in fake news dissemination are under NBI surveillance.
“We are preserving all their statements and published content,” he warned, signaling potential legal action against those responsible.
The crackdown on fake news is not limited to the NBI. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) has also ramped up its efforts to curb online misinformation and disinformation.
PNP ACG spokesperson Lt. Wallen Arancillo, in an interview with dzRH, stated that authorities are actively investigating online activities that promote false narratives.
“When we identify accounts posting fake news, we conduct thorough investigations until we determine the actual owner behind the post,” Arancillo said in Filipino.
He noted that the PNP ACG has been instructed to strengthen its campaign against misinformation, particularly those that misuse the image of uniformed personnel in misleading posts.
One widely circulated false claim suggests that numerous PNP officers are resigning due to the supposed arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte—an assertion that the police force has dismissed as baseless.
Arancillo confirmed that the PNP intelligence unit is actively investigating such cases and preparing the necessary legal documents for further action.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against fake news and to refrain from sharing unverified information, as spreading falsehoods could lead to legal repercussions.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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