Cebu vlogger falls

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebuana political vlogger was arrested by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) on Thursday evening in Sitio Bombil, Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, Cebu, for allegedly spreading fake news on social media.

The suspect, identified as Wendelyn Apduhan Magalso, a resident of the area, was apprehended for posting a manipulated news article originally published by TV5 on March 14, 2025. The altered article falsely attributed a statement to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adding the words: “Gumawa tayo ng batas na gawing ‘legal’ ang droga sa ating bansa.”

Magalso shared the edited article on social media with the caption: “Legal na daw ang droga grabi naman ka Marcos ngayon harapin mo ang lahat ng hamon kung makakabalik ka pa pagkaluuya sa mga insidente.”

According to NBI-7 Regional Director Atty. Renan Oliva, the operation was prompted by an advisory issued by TV5 News Network Inc. on March 19, 2025, after discovering that one of their posts had been substantially edited. The altered content, which misrepresented the president, was flagged as fake news.

Supervising Agent Francis V. Señora initiated a proactive investigation based on a standing directive from NBI Director Jaime Santiago. Coincidentally, on the same day, TV5 Cebu News Supervisor John Aroa appeared before NBI-7 to report the circulation of the edited post online.

Further investigation led authorities to Magalso’s social media account, where the manipulated content was found. This prompted her immediate arrest.

During a video conference with NBI Director Santiago, Magalso admitted to posting the altered content but denied any malicious intent behind her actions.

“Content creator lang po ako. Hindi ko po intensiyon,” Magalso said.

Tearfully, she explained that her primary goal was to gain attention online and earn revenue from her content.

NBI Director Santiago issued a stern warning against individuals spreading fake news, emphasizing that the bureau is taking strict action against such offenses.

Magalso is set to face charges for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, or the illegal use of publication, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

If convicted, she could face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to a maximum of six years, along with a fine between P40,000 and P200,000.(CEBU NEWS)