Fake news vloggers face cybercrime raps

The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) filed cybercrime charges on 4 April 2025 against two individuals accused of spreading fake news through their social media accounts.

PRO-7 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the charges stemmed from a manipulated video of a religious procession that was misrepresented as a prayer rally supporting former president Rodrigo Duterte after his arrest.

Formally charged under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 were Leocimar Magallanes and Salic Daurong, after police investigators gathered sufficient evidence linking them to the falsified content.

Maranan said authorities coordinated with telecommunications firms and internet providers to trace the digital footprint of those responsible for spreading the false information.

He also reminded the public that disseminating fake content online is a serious offense that undermines public trust and safety.

The video in question was posted on Facebook on 13 March 2025. It featured a crowd participating in the 460th Fiesta Señor Penitential Walk with Mary, alongside a video message from Duterte, creating the false impression of a rally in his support.

Maranan encouraged the public to remain vigilant and responsible in their online activities.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) said it is actively monitoring fake news and online disinformation.

NBI-7 Regional Director Atty. Rennan Augustus Oliva told the media that the effort follows a directive from NBI Director Jaime Santiago. He confirmed that the agency is conducting cyber-patrolling specifically targeting misinformation on social media platforms.

Recently, NBI-7 agents also arrested a Cebu-based vlogger who allegedly manipulated and spread false content intended to discredit President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

That individual now faces criminal charges.