The growing number of death threats being posted on social media alarmed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag saying such behavior is becoming a digital “norm” threatening public safety and national security.

Matibag said the normalization of online death threats is deeply concerning for law enforcement authorities.

“It seems like they’re normalizing the death threats. As a law enforcement agency, this is very alarming. That’s why I’m saying that it’s like a norm. We need to stop this,” he said.

The trend has become particularly disturbing because even high-ranking government officials have become targets of threats posted openly on social media, said Matibag.

He added, “It’s very alarming because even if our government officials are high-ranking, there are ordinary people who will give threats. That’s why I’m saying that our national security will be under attack right now.”

Hontiveros targeted

He issued the warning as the NBI conducts a case build-up into hundreds of social media posts allegedly threatening Senator Risa Hontiveros.

The probe was launched after Hontiveros’ office formally sought the bureau’s assistance following a wave of online posts calling for or threatening her death after the killing of pro-administration vlogger Alicia Lipata, popularly known as Mima Alicia.

The NBI will subject the reported social media accounts to forensic and cybercrime analysis to determine whether criminal charges should be filed, said Matibag.

The bureau will pursue the investigation based on evidence, due process, and the rule of law, as the probe is neither politically nor personally motivated.