Monitoring of SONA misinformation intensified

MANILA, Philippines — Cybercrime investigators have stepped up their monitoring of social media platforms for critics of the administration who are allegedly planning to sow misinformation online to instigate public disorder during President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) tomorrow.

Undersecretary Renato Paraiso, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center executive director, said the CICC’s threat monitoring and cybercrime response centers have intensified their monitoring of online activities for possible coordinated disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks before and during the SONA.

Paraiso issued the directive to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the SONA.

He clarified their goal is not to police the opinions of government critics but to protect the digital space’s integrity.

“Every Filipino has the right to express opinions, but those discussions must be based on facts, not misinformation designed to deceive, divide or incite,” Paraiso said in a statement.

While he is for healthy democratic conversations online, Paraiso said weaponizing false information to sow chaos has no place in a civilized society.

People who may notice disinformation and inflammatory content related to the SONA can report to the CICC through hotline 1326.

Meanwhile, a send-off ceremony was held on Friday for the police contingent that will secure the SONA.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office director, led the ceremony held at the Quezon City Police District headquarters at Camp Karingal.

More than 21,000 police officers are up for deployment during the SONA.

The Philippine National Police denied it has imposed a nationwide gun ban as part of security measures for the SONA.

“The PNP has not issued any directive imposing a nationwide gun ban for the event. However, existing laws, local ordinances and established security protocols remain in effect,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.