NBI "will seriously investigate" fake news bloggers, trolls

NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) is plotting a "plan of action" against peddlers of fake news and disinformation in the country.

NBI vs fake news (Photo from PNA)

NBI to combat fake news peddlers

NBI Director Jaime Santiago emphasized that they will not allow this issue to go unchecked and are committed to conducting a thorough investigation. The agency added that they will check them, even those operating outside the Philippines.

At the "Meet the Manila Press" news forum, the agency noted that its cybercrime and technical intelligence unit would outline the government's next move in going after fake news bloggers and online trolls.

Santiago claims that they have already identified several trolls and their supposed links to prominent personalities. One of them is "Maharlika", a blogger suspected to be behind some fake and malicious news.

The blogger claimed that the First Lady was detained in the US. But, it is a piece of fake news according to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro as the First Lady arrived in the Philippines on Monday, March 10.

Santiago also emphasized that while we have the freedom of speed and expression, it is not absolute. Bloggers should not make online commentaries as a kind of joke.

Read the full PNA report here.