The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Friday the arrest of a Cebu-based online content creator for spreading disinformation falsely suggesting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. advocated for the legalization of illegal drugs.
According to the NBI-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO), the suspect manipulated a News5 social media post featuring quotes from President Marcos, making it appear as though the President endorsed drug legalization.
“While conducting cyber patrol operations, we discovered a vlogger who had altered the original post. The manipulated version included a misleading caption saying, ‘Drugs are now legal, shame on you Marcos,’” NBI-CEVRO Regional Director Rennan Oliva reported.
TV5 Cebu News representatives promptly reported the incident to the NBI after spotting the tampered post.
Following an investigation, authorities identified and apprehended the suspect, who disclosed that she has been vlogging for three years.
“She also runs a small sari-sari store but admitted that she earns more from her vlogging activities,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago revealed.
“We proceeded with the arrest immediately as a warning to others who spread fake news or alter legitimate news content. We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate such acts,” Santiago emphasized.
When asked if she profited from posting disinformation, the vlogger tearfully admitted, “Yes, but it was just a small amount.”
Santiago also disclosed that the NBI is actively investigating other vloggers, with one individual already facing arrest warrants for libel.