PNP Steps Up Cyberpatrol Amid VP Duterte Impeachment Trial

MANILA, Philippines — With the start of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Monday, the Philippine National Police has stepped up its cyberpatrol as it warned against online posts spreading fake news or inciting violence. “Disinformation that seeks to incite violence or undermine our democratic institutions is a direct threat to public safety,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Monday. “The PNP is utilizing 24/7 cyber patrolling to identify and neutralize malicious narratives intended to deceive the public.” The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group, intelligence units and regional police offices were ordered to intensify surveillance of social media posts inciting violence, targeting government institutions or threatening public officials amid the impeachment proceedings. Police have also been directed to immediately verify and respond to viral misinformation intended to cause panic or public disorder. READ: PNP backs call for tougher Meta action vs fake news, disinformation “We urge the public to be discerning. Before sharing any information regarding these proceedings, verify it through official channels to avoid becoming a tool for those who wish to disrupt the rule of law,” Nartatez said. Meanwhile, some 6,000 police personnel have been deployed at the Senate complex and its surrounding areas in anticipation of protest rallies as well as possible security threats. READ: PNP to aid case build-up vs spreaders of fake news on Marcos’ health Amid the turmoil in the Senate during its leadership crisis last May, supporters of Duterte’s allies in the chamber had gathered outside and at times took over security, screening visitors entering and leaving the chamber, as shown by videos on social media. But on Monday, it was the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) movement and other allied protesters that held a “Bantay Impeachment” rally, as they called for transparency and warned against attempts to delay the trial proceedings. KBKK said it is monitoring the trial and helping to explain its issues. “Alongside monitoring the impeachment, we continue to call for the expansion and deepening of investigations into the flood control scam, in order to recover the estimated P1 trillion stolen by contractors and politicians,” the group said. David San Juan, convener of Tama Na (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado) expressed concern over the vote threshold being debated in the Senate and among legal circles. “I hope they [Senate] choose the welfare of the Filipino people, who have allegedly been robbed and victimized by the misuse of confidential funds,” he told the Inquirer. “It was also very noticeable that Vice President Duterte was absent. She should have been present, if only out of respect for the people who elected her. Explaining her side is part of her responsibility,” he added. —ANDREA GREGORIO