PNP-ACG hunts viral ‘disinformation’ creators targeting PBBM health

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has formed a specialized team to investigate the origin of forged medical documents targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that have been circulating on social media.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta announced the probe during a press briefing Wednesday at Camp Crame, stating the unit is conducting “cyber patrolling” and collaborating with other government agencies to identify those behind the disinformation attempt.

“We are tasked to conduct investigative support,” Asueta said. “Since the issue involves fake documents, we are focusing on the online aspect of the investigation.”

The forged records, which featured the logo of St. Luke’s Medical Center, claimed the President suffered from “severe sigmoid diverticulitis” that had worsened due to drug use. Both the Presidential Communications Office and St. Luke’s Medical Center issued statements last week debunking the document as a total fabrication.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the circulation of the false bulletin, calling it “disrespectful, insensitive, and a gross violation of the law.”

While Nartatez cited that the police force respects freedom of expression, he emphasized that the manufacture of fake documents is a malicious act intended to mislead the public.

Asueta declined to name any suspects, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, he cited that those responsible could face charges under the Revised Penal Code, specifically Article 154 for the unlawful use of means of publication and Article 172 for the use of falsified documents.

The police urged the public to be more responsible when sharing information on social media to prevent the spread of unverified or malicious content.