The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it will investigate who was behind rumors claiming Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla was critically ill, hospitalized, and had died last December.
NBI Director Angelito Magno said on Sunday, January 11, that the bureau is prepared to assist all government agencies and act on requests involving the spread of false information.
“In particular, the circulation of false information on social media regarding the alleged death of Ombudsman Remulla constitutes the dissemination of fake news through information and communications technology,” Magno said.
The probe follows Remulla’s request last Thursday, January 8, for the NBI to investigate social media posts about his supposed illness and death.
“We’ve reached the limit of cyber libel already. Tignan natin kung saan pupunta. I am asking the NBI to look into these allegations,” Remulla said.
Magno noted that the spread of such false information may violate Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which falls under the NBI’s jurisdiction. He added that the bureau regularly handles complaints involving misinformation, disinformation, and online libel.
“While the Bureau is flooded with cases of such nature, we always do our best to resolve them in the soonest possible time,” he said.
Remulla earlier said the false reports about his health were part of an “orchestrated campaign” by political opponents, adding that he already has an idea who may be responsible, though he declined to elaborate.
Despite public denials by his brother, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the Ombudsman said he is pursuing the issue to hold those responsible accountable.