The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified nationwide cyber patrol and security monitoring operations following the spread of online posts allegedly inciting violence in the aftermath of last week’s chaotic incident at the Senate.
PNP chief General Nicolas Torre III said authorities are treating the online threats with urgency amid concerns that misinformation and inflammatory content could trigger actual unrest.
“We view these online threats and attempts to incite violence with the utmost seriousness, and we will hold accountable those behind these irresponsible posts and contents. This is not the time for misinformation or exploiting a volatile situation to sow fear and breach public order,” Torre said.
The heightened monitoring came after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) identified at least five persons of interest allegedly linked to social media posts spreading false information and encouraging disorder in connection with the Senate gunfire incident last week.
According to the DICT, some online content urged individuals to proceed to the Senate and create chaos through misleading narratives circulating on social media platforms.
In response, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group was ordered to adopt a heightened cyber patrol posture while coordinating closely with the DICT and intelligence units to validate flagged posts and identify the account holders behind them.
“The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has already shifted to a heightened cyber patrol posture and is working hand in hand with the DICT to actively track down, unmask, and hold accountable these digital threat actors. We will not allow social media platforms to be weaponized against national security,” Torre said.
The PNP chief also directed regional and local police units to strengthen security measures around government facilities and areas where public gatherings and demonstrations are expected.
Police commanders were instructed to remain vigilant against possible attempts to translate online threats into actual disturbances on the ground.
Despite the intensified monitoring, the PNP maintained that lawful criticism and freedom of expression would continue to be respected.
Authorities, however, warned that individuals posting content promoting violence, disorder, or panic could face criminal charges under existing laws.