NBI to probe ‘brains’ of fake news peddlers

MANILA, Philippines — Who is bankrolling the spread of fake news on social media?

This is a question the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seeks to answer soon, as it works to unmask the mastermind behind the extensive disinformation campaign.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago yesterday said the agency is investigating whether individuals or groups are funding vloggers to disseminate false information online.

The probe comes after the arrest of a fake news vlogger in Cebu, who denied working under anyone’s orders or receiving payment to spread false information.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the NBI is closely monitoring at least 20 vloggers suspected of spreading fake news and is gathering evidence to file cases against them.

“They are already listed, and we have identified them,” Santiago said.

“I have instructed our technical intelligence and cybercrime divisions to take decisive action. We want these individuals to know that we are serious about this,” he added.

Santiago said that the NBI is keeping a close watch on both little-known and high-profile individuals involved in spreading false information.

“We are preserving all their statements and published content,” he warned.

Fake news crackdown

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group is also intensifying its efforts to combat fake news, misinformation and disinformation circulating online, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Wallen Arancillo, PNP ACG spokesperson, said in an interview over dzRH that authorities are actively conducting online investigations and monitoring illegal online activities, with false information being the most prevalent issue detected.

“When we identify accounts posting fake news, we conduct an investigation until we determine the actual owner behind the post,” Arancillo said in Filipino.

He added that the PNP ACG has been directed to strengthen its efforts against online misinformation, particularly those that misuse uniformed personnel in misleading posts.

One notable piece of false information being spread online claims that many PNP officers are resigning due to the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, something the police force has dismissed as baseless.

Arancillo also said he had spoken with the chief of the PNP’s intelligence unit, who confirmed that online investigations are ongoing, and necessary documents are being prepared for further action.

The PNP ACG urged the public to be vigilant against fake news and refrain from sharing unverified information, emphasizing that spreading falsehoods could lead to legal consequences.