The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned social media users against posting content that incites violence or public disorder following last week’s shooting incident at the Senate, saying those behind such posts may face criminal charges.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday the police organization is treating online threats and inflammatory posts with urgency as authorities monitor content that could trigger unrest around government institutions and other convergence areas.
“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,” Nartatez said.
“This is not the time for misinformation or exploiting a volatile situation to sow fear and breach public order,” he added.
The warning came after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it had identified at least five individuals allegedly spreading false information and inciting violence on social media in connection with the Senate shooting.
According to the DICT, some posts encouraged people to proceed to the Senate and create chaos through misinformation.
Nartatez said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is coordinating with the DICT and intelligence units to validate flagged posts and identify the people behind the accounts.
“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,” he said.
The PNP chief also ordered police units to heighten alert measures around government institutions and areas where public gatherings may take place.
He directed police commanders to remain vigilant against the possibility that online threats could escalate into actual incidents on the ground.
The PNP said lawful criticism and peaceful expression would be respected, but warned that posts promoting violence, disorder, or panic would be dealt with under existing laws.