NBI arrests 'vlogger' for altering Marcos statement

The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested a "vlogger" for manipulating a statement by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., falsely making it seem as if he was advocating drug legalization.

According to a report by John Consulta on Friday, the NBI said the altered post was shared on Facebook.

“Onti-onti na kami, kumukuha kami. Nakikipag cooperate sa amin ang Facebook, nakikipag cooperate ang TikTok, ito na po. Kaya warning sa kanila: hindi namin sila tatantanan,” said NBI chief Jaime Santiago.

(We’re rounding them up. Facebook and TikTok are cooperating with us. This is a warning—we won’t let them off the hook.)

The vlogger admitted to earning money from spreading fake news.

“Opo,” she responded when asked by Santiago, adding, “Pero maliit lang po siya.”

(Yes, but it’s just a small amount.)

She also tearfully pleaded for Marcos’ forgiveness.

Santiago urged the public to fact-check information on social media and warned that spreading false information is a criminal offense.

“‘Yun namang mga gumagawa, ‘yung iba ay katuwaan lamang. Hindi katuwaan ito. May kaakibat na krimen ito na makakasuhan kayo. At pag nakasuhan kayo katulad nito… ngayon umiiyak. Hindi na daw niya uulitin,” he said.

(Some people think this is just for fun—it’s not. There are legal consequences. Once charged, they regret it, just like her. Now she’s crying, saying she won’t do it again.)

He emphasized the importance of responsible online behavior: “Think before you click! Hindi ito biro."

(This is no joke.)

The suspect faces charges under Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. If convicted, she could face six months to six years in prison and a fine of up to P200,000. — DVM, GMA Integrated News