NBI Files Charges Against Four Vloggers Over Fake News Videos

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against four vloggers accused of producing and disseminating altered video content featuring government officials, with the intent to mislead the public and incite unrest.

According to Senior Agent Raymond Macorol of the NBI’s Criminal Intelligence Division, the vloggers allegedly edited and recontextualized official interviews and public statements, then uploaded them to various social media platforms with manipulated captions and misleading narratives.

“They distribute doctored videos through social media, taking actual interviews of our government officials and splicing them—twisting the original context,” Macorol explained during a press briefing on Tuesday.

While the names of the vloggers have not been publicly disclosed, Macorol confirmed that investigators have identified their locations in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Pampanga in the Philippines.

The vloggers are facing multiple charges, including the unlawful use of publications, violation of the Anti-Alias Law, and inciting to sedition.

Macorol also cited one particular video involving NBI Director Jaime Santiago. The original footage reportedly featured Santiago discussing legal actions that may be taken against individuals spreading disinformation. However, the vloggers allegedly manipulated the clip, altering its context and overlaying it with misleading captions that falsely suggested overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be arrested.

“They spliced the video and changed the caption to claim that OFWs would be arrested, and even encouraged them to stop sending remittances to their families in the Philippines,” Macorol added.

The NBI is currently gathering additional evidence to build further cases against others involved in the online dissemination of fake news. Authorities are also warning the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of information circulating online.