MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday filed a complaint against a Davao-based vlogger for allegedly spreading “fake news” about a supposed raid on the residence of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.

PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño said the filing marks the first action of the newly established Anti-Fake News Action Committee, which aims to crack down on individuals spreading disinformation.

Tuaño said the vlogger was charged before a Davao court with unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“Ito ay isang fabricated [claim], suggesting intentional manipulation to spread false narrative na kung saan po ay pumapatak sa isang disinformation,” Tuaño told reporters in a media briefing.

(This is a fabricated claim, suggesting intentional manipulation to spread a false narrative, which falls under disinformation.)

The male vlogger, who has 218,000 subscribers, over 2 million total views, and has uploaded 218 videos, allegedly claimed that 30 operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and 90 members of the Special Action Force from Luzon would raid Duterte’s house on the evening of April 30. 

The claim reportedly prompted some of Duterte’s supporters to gather at his residence.

“Ito po ay patunay na seryoso po ang pamunuan ng Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas,” Tuaño added. “Kakasuhan at huhuliin ang mga tao na nagpapakalat ng fake news.”

(This is proof that the leadership of the Philippine National Police is serious. Those who spread fake news will be charged and arrested.)

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