The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating the spread of dummy accounts on Facebook.
According to NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Vic Lorenzo, the dummy accounts may be the responsibility of a person or group, or may be the result of the mass online protest happening in the United States using the social media platform.
“Baka may possibility talaga na system glitch kasi baka nag-overload ‘yung data nila dahil sa massive nga na communication na dumadaan sa Facebook. (Maybe there is really a system glitch due to the data overloading with the massive communication that goes through Facebook.)”
The NBI is now coordinating with its counterpart agencies to thoroughly investigate and end the spread of fake accounts that sow fear to the public.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra reminded that misinformation will not be of good use in time of crisis.
“I have directed the DOJ Office of Cybercrime to coordinate with the NBI and PNP cybercrime units to promptly investigate the apparent proliferation of fake or dummy accounts on Facebook.”
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) coordinated with Facebook Philippines to respond to the issue which the latter is now acting on.
“The DICT has also instructed its Cyber Security Bureau to actively coordinate with law enforcement agencies and provide the necessary technical assistance on information sharing and analysis needed to address this matter.”
Authorities remind the public to be vigilant and wise in using social media to avoid compromising anyone’s privacy. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
