The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its digital surveillance and forensic operations to identify the individuals managing social media accounts that allegedly incited public disruption during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to lead the crackdown alongside the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and other partner agencies, following a presidential mandate to hold digital offenders accountable.
“The PNP, through our Anti-Cybercrime Group and in close coordination with the CICC and other partner agencies, is actively pursuing all available leads to identify those behind these online accounts,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The directive comes after the CICC identified nine social media accounts linked to hacker groups that encouraged public disorder during the July 27 address. Investigators preserved digital evidence before taking the pages down. Those responsible face potential charges including computer fraud, identity theft, grave threats, and inciting to sedition or rebellion.
While reaffirming the constitutional right to free expression, Nartatez emphasized that authorities will draw the line at digital activities that promote violence or illegal acts.
“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.
Law enforcement is also investigating potential links between these online activities and two improvised explosive device (IED) incidents on the day of the SONA—one involving a blast inside the Department of Justice compound and another involving an IED discovered near the Senate building.
Nartatez noted that investigators have already uncovered solid leads regarding both threats.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, avoid sharing unverified or malicious content, and immediately report suspicious online posts to the authorities,” Nartatez said.