INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to create a task force to investigate a “malicious” viral video allegedly showing the alleged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sniffing a powdery substance believed to be illegal drugs.
In a press conference, Abalos said he is convinced that the man in the video was not Marcos, noting that such fake videos can be made easily through artificial intelligence.
“Sa pagtingin namin sa video, hindi ako naniniwala na ang lalaking nandun ay ang ating Pangulo. Sa tagal na kilala ko ang ating Pangulo, ang mga features niya, hindi siya yun,” Abalos said, noting the “extreme difference” between the ears of the man in the video and those of Marcos.
“Sa tagal na kakilala ko ang ating pangulo, ako ay naniniwala, ako na ang magsasabi na he does not indulge in this kind of activity,” he added.
He questioned the timing of the release of the video, which was made hours before the State of the Nation Address of Marcos.
Abalos said he has yet to talk to the President about the matter and that he called up the press conference to discuss it on his own will.
The video was reportedly played in an anti-Marcos government rally abroad and has since made rounds on social media.
He assured that those behind the proliferation of the video will be held liable in accordance with the Anti-cybercrime Law.
Abalos urged the public to be vigilant and to not easily believe the things they see online, especially if they come from unverified sources.
“Bakit kailangan gawin sa abroad bakit hindi dito kung talagang totoo yan at kayang panindigan ng mga taong ito,” he said.
