NBI probes Makati firm allegedly hired by China to meddle in elections | ABS-CBN
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NBI probes Makati firm allegedly hired by China to meddle in elections
NBI probes Makati firm allegedly hired by China to meddle in elections
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issued a subpoena to a Makati-based company allegedly contracted by the Chinese embassy to operate a network of “keyboard warriors” in a suspected attempt to interfere with the upcoming midterm elections.
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issued a subpoena to a Makati-based company allegedly contracted by the Chinese embassy to operate a network of “keyboard warriors” in a suspected attempt to interfere with the upcoming midterm elections.
Assistant Director Noel Bocaling of the NBI Intelligence Service confirmed that the bureau began investigating the firm last week after concerns were raised by the National Security Council (NSC).
Assistant Director Noel Bocaling of the NBI Intelligence Service confirmed that the bureau began investigating the firm last week after concerns were raised by the National Security Council (NSC).
“Nagsimula na kami mag-investigate last week, nagpakalat na kami ng tao, sinubpoena na namin sila noong Friday,” Bocaling said, emphasizing the urgency of the case buildup.
“Nagsimula na kami mag-investigate last week, nagpakalat na kami ng tao, sinubpoena na namin sila noong Friday,” Bocaling said, emphasizing the urgency of the case buildup.
The probe comes in the wake of revelations made by Senator Francis Tolentino during a recent Senate hearing, where he claimed that the Chinese embassy had paid a company for “crisis and issue management” services.
The probe comes in the wake of revelations made by Senator Francis Tolentino during a recent Senate hearing, where he claimed that the Chinese embassy had paid a company for “crisis and issue management” services.
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He also presented a check as proof of payment, fueling suspicions of a foreign-funded troll operation.
He also presented a check as proof of payment, fueling suspicions of a foreign-funded troll operation.
“Ako kasi I'm quite sure kung in-accuse sila ng isang senator, tapos ang information pa ng National Security Council, it is but proper naman na bigyan natin ng time itong InfinitUs to explain their side,” Bocaling said.
“Ako kasi I'm quite sure kung in-accuse sila ng isang senator, tapos ang information pa ng National Security Council, it is but proper naman na bigyan natin ng time itong InfinitUs to explain their side,” Bocaling said.
While the NBI has already identified the firm's owners and noted the presence of foreign incorporators, Bocaling said the investigation was ongoing and results remained inconclusive.
While the NBI has already identified the firm's owners and noted the presence of foreign incorporators, Bocaling said the investigation was ongoing and results remained inconclusive.
“‘Yung allegation or report ni Senator Tolentino is given credence kasi mayroon din kaming kinukuha ng mga sinabi niya na medyo nako-confirm namin na totoo, mayroong hindi,” he said.
“‘Yung allegation or report ni Senator Tolentino is given credence kasi mayroon din kaming kinukuha ng mga sinabi niya na medyo nako-confirm namin na totoo, mayroong hindi,” he said.
“Kaya it is a matter of collating all the information in order to come up with a very substantial report,” he added.
“Kaya it is a matter of collating all the information in order to come up with a very substantial report,” he added.
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The NBI stressed its commitment to political neutrality despite the heightened election climate, with Bocaling acknowledging that the timing of the probe might give rise to perceptions of political bias.
The NBI stressed its commitment to political neutrality despite the heightened election climate, with Bocaling acknowledging that the timing of the probe might give rise to perceptions of political bias.
“Part pa rin ito ng kampanya. Kaya, nagkakaroon ng taint ng election fever itong investigation namin. NBI would like to maintain, nasa gitna lang kami” he said.
“Part pa rin ito ng kampanya. Kaya, nagkakaroon ng taint ng election fever itong investigation namin. NBI would like to maintain, nasa gitna lang kami” he said.
The NBI warned that if the company fails to appear following the subpoena, it is prepared to issue a warrant to disclose computer data to access the firm's digital records.
The NBI warned that if the company fails to appear following the subpoena, it is prepared to issue a warrant to disclose computer data to access the firm's digital records.
China denied the claims, saying it has no interest in influencing Philippine elections. It has also regularly accused the Philippines of making up issues and of encouraging Sinophobia — the distrust and fear of Chinese people and culture.
China denied the claims, saying it has no interest in influencing Philippine elections. It has also regularly accused the Philippines of making up issues and of encouraging Sinophobia — the distrust and fear of Chinese people and culture.
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