Fake News Surge in Philippines Following Duterte’s Hypothetical ICC Arrest
A hypothetical arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity has ignited a firestorm of disinformation and fake news on social media, raising serious concerns among human rights activists, researchers, and media experts. This surge of misinformation targets the estimated 87 million Filipinos who rely on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for news and information, potentially swaying public opinion and undermining trust in legitimate sources. Experts warn that this echoes the patterns observed during Duterte’s presidency, where social media manipulation was allegedly used to bolster his political standing.
The proliferation of fabricated stories, ranging from US President Donald Trump endorsing Duterte to the former president escaping ICC custody, showcases the creativity and audacity of those spreading these falsehoods. Equally concerning are the false narratives claiming Duterte was denied medical care while detained, coupled with fabricated reports of mass resignations within the police and military in protest of his arrest. These narratives often utilize manipulated images and fabricated quotes, sometimes even featuring fictional legal characters from popular American TV shows, lending a veneer of authenticity to the misinformation.
Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed deep concern over this disinformation campaign, describing it as an "all-out" effort by Duterte’s supporters to mislead the public. He points to the 2016 presidential election, alleging that similar tactics were employed to boost Duterte’s popularity and normalize his brand of politics. Conde emphasizes the urgent need for citizens to actively combat disinformation, encouraging critical thinking and verification of information before sharing it online.
Dr. Ulderico Alviola, head of the Department of Development Communication at Visayas State University, connects the current wave of fake news to Duterte’s past administration. He cites an Oxford study linking the former president to the funding of a "troll army" that weaponized social media for propaganda purposes. Alviola believes this network has been reactivated in light of the hypothetical ICC arrest, pushing a narrative favorable to Duterte and engaging in what he terms "political gaslighting."
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey underscores the gravity of the situation, revealing that 59% of Filipinos consider the spread of fake news on social media a serious problem. This statistic highlights the widespread awareness of the issue and the potential for it to erode public trust and create social divisions. Alviola stresses the importance of media and information literacy, urging the public to rely on credible news sources and resist the influence of biased vloggers and politically motivated social media pages. He underscores the role of educators and communication professionals in equipping citizens with the skills to navigate the complex information landscape and identify misinformation.
The government, too, recognizes the urgency of addressing this issue. Claire Castro, spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, called upon journalists and media outlets to intensify their fact-checking efforts. She emphasized the credibility of professional journalists and their crucial role in debunking false narratives and providing accurate information to the public. Castro’s appeal highlights the collaborative effort required to combat disinformation, involving not only individuals and educators but also the media and government agencies. This coordinated response is vital to safeguard the integrity of information and protect the public from manipulative online content.
