THE Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that it has identified the individual allegedly responsible for a “malicious” social media post targeting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño stated that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have uncovered the identity of the person who created the post on Facebook. “Na-take down na po yung post at na-identify na po yung gumawa ng disinformation,” Tuaño said in a press conference.
The CIDG is preparing a subpoena to summon the individual, described as a female professional from Mindanao, to provide an explanation. Tuaño declined to release the individual’s name pending the issuance of the subpoena.
The social media post falsely claimed that acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Jr. “urges all soldiers, police, and military forces NOT TO OBEY PBBM orders that harm the people” and declared “‘OUR LOYALTY BELONGS TO THE FILIPINO NATION, NOT TO A THIEF OF THE COUNTRY’S TREASURY.'”
The PNP previously disowned the Facebook post, denouncing it as a fake and malicious attempt at disinformation. The PNP has urged the public to verify information through official channels and refrain from sharing unverified content.
Acting PNP chief Nartatez stated on Monday that there is no discussion within the PNP about withdrawing support from the President, and that he sees no basis for such action given Marcos’ victory in the 2022 elections. He also stated that no retired PNP officials have approached him or other police generals about removing Marcos from office, and that he would discourage them from pursuing such a course of action.
