Domestic, foreign groups behind disinformation efforts after Duterte arrest — AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday that domestic and foreign groups are behind disinformation efforts aimed at weakening its chain of command following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a press briefing, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad was asked on the possibility of China being involved in moves to destabilize the country following Duterte’s arrest.

“Interest groups, domestic and foreign, would like to sow intrigue, disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, to weaken the chain of command and to cause it to break,” Trinidad said.

The flag officer did not mention any specific country or organization.

“Sa ganitong panahon, importanteng manatiling buo ang AFP chain of command. We guarantee your security. We guarantee your safety. Under that security blanket, all players could engage in politics because of that security blanket that the AFP provides,” he added.

(During these times, it is important the AFP chain of command remains whole.)  

The PN official’s statements came after fake news and disinformation proliferated in social media as satirical posts and fake quote cards aim to deceive the public following last Tuesday's arrest and subsequent detention of Duterte at The Hague in the Netherlands. 

The former president is facing charges related to crimes against humanity brought to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a result of his deadly drug war as mayor of Davao City and later, as president.

The AFP has warned the public against social media pages and groups claiming to represent or have a connection with the military organization.

It also called on the public to exercise extreme caution when subscribing to or following these said accounts.

“We have observed the proliferation of unauthorized accounts using the AFP's name and imagery, some with the intent to sow confusion and division,” it said.

“These unofficial pages and groups may promote and propagate unverified, false, or misleading information, potentially leading to public misperception and distrust,” the AFP added. —RF, GMA Integrated News