Cops start probe into petition vs Dino

CEBU, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police Regional Cybercrime Unit-7 has started its investigation into the complaint filed by Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas(OPAV) regarding the alleged libelous information against him in the online petition that calls for his ouster.

“We’re coordinating with social-media companies, and pressing them for further action to stem the spread of fake information and rumors against Mr. Michael Dino,” said Police Colonel Marlo Castillo, chief of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-7.

Castillo’s statement came after he received Dino’s complaint claiming that there was “libelous information against him that is being shared or circulated in disguise of a petition asking for Mr. Dino’s resignation.”

Castillo said it is their mandate to track posts and gather evidence to file appropriate charges against persons responsible for violation of the Cybercrime Act of 2012.

“This misinformation intends to confuse the public to incite public discord and derail the public’s trust in government institutions and or malign the reputation of persons or private institutions,” he said.

Aside from acting on Dino’s complaint, the PNP’s cyber security surveillance teams have also noted what they call dubious information and conspiracy theories that are posted and shared publicly.

“People responsible for this malicious information are trying to hide behind the cloak of anonymity and pseudo identities,” Castillo said.

The RACU-VII is also encouraging the public to call its attention on any online post that violates the cybercrime law.

“We advise the public to be very cautious and avoid sharing this misinformation in public or private chat groups to avoid any criminal liability,” said Castillo.

Aside from RACU-VII, Dino has also sent a similar complaint to PNP-ACG Director Brigadier General Dennis Agustin.

The online petition that calls for Dino’s replacement generated close to 4,000 signatures as of yesterday. LPM (FREEMAN)