THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it is pursuing digital agitators who used online platforms to stir up anger and incite civil unrest during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“The PNP, through our Anti-Cybercrime Group and in close coordination with the CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) and other partner agencies, is actively pursuing all available leads to identify those behind these online accounts,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
The CICC said that it had flagged nine social media accounts allegedly linked to hacker groups that were suspected of encouraging public disorder and protests during the president’s SONA. The accounts have since been taken down, although authorities preserved their digital data as evidence.
The perpetrators may face charges that include computer fraud, identity theft, grave threats and inciting to sedition or rebellion.
“We respect every Filipino's right to free expression but we will take appropriate legal action against individuals who use digital platforms to incite violence, spread credible threats, or facilitate criminal activities,” Nartatez said.
The police are looking into possible links between the online threats during the SONA and two suspected improvised explosive devices found on the same day. One exploded inside the Department of Justice compound, while the other was recovered near the Senate.
Nartatez said investigators have already established leads.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, avoid sharing unverified or malicious content, and immediately report suspicious online posts to the authorities,” he said.
