NBI taps Interpol to go after fake news peddlers

The Philippines is again seeking the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), this time in tracking down Filipinos spreading fake news from abroad, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said yesterday.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

In tapping the Interpol, Santiago acknowledged the challenge of pursuing spreaders of deceitful information, especially in countries like the United States, where libel is considered a civil case rather than a criminal offense.

He added that enforcing Philippine laws on US citizens accused of fake news dissemination would be difficult since their country follows a different legal system.

"We are looking into all legal angles. While libel is not a crime in the US, inciting to sedition is punishable in both countries," Santiago said in Filipino in an interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila.

He also mentioned that authorities are examining tax evasion as a possible charge, citing the case of Al Capone, who was prosecuted for tax violations rather than his other alleged crimes.

The NBI is currently investigating at least 20 people suspected of being part of an organized network spreading false information, particularly targeting government officials and political personalities.

Santiago noted that authorities are also looking into the funding sources of fake news peddlers, as their content appears to follow a coordinated theme.

"We are asking why their narratives are the same. Why do their messages align with political conflicts? This is what we need to uncover," Santiago said.

For Filipino citizens abroad, Santiago said the NBI can request Interpol assistance to bring spreaders of false information back to the Philippines through extradition, he said.

Santiago also addressed concerns over freedom of speech, emphasizing that while the NBI respects this right, spreading false information that incites sedition or defames people must be stopped.

"We respect freedom of speech and expression. But when the line is crossed, when it becomes libel or inciting to sedition, we have to act," he said.