The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has officially launched a formal investigation into a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting its leadership. The agency announced its intention to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for a deceptive Facebook post that falsely attributed derogatory remarks about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. According to the bureau, these fabricated statements were designed to incite public outrage and damage the reputation of both the Director and the institution.
In a strong-worded statement, the NBI emphasized that it is operating strictly within its legal mandate to dismantle the networks involved in spreading this misinformation. The agency explicitly denounced the malicious nature of the publications, labeling the incident as an orchestrated attack meant to manipulate public perception. By targeting a prominent government official through the use of blatant falsehoods, the perpetrators have prompted a rigorous response from the agency’s cyber-investigative units.
The NBI hierarchy has made it clear that they will pursue every available legal avenue to ensure the perpetrators of this fabrication face the full force of the law. The agency is currently conducting a deep-dive investigation to trace the origins of the Facebook post, focusing on the digital footprint left by the disinformation network. This effort underscores a broader commitment to holding those who disseminate malicious lies accountable, serving as a warning against the misuse of social media to launch smear campaigns against public servants.
Setting the record straight, the bureau categorically denied that Director Matibag ever made any negative comments regarding the Iglesia Ni Cristo. The disinformation appeared amidst the backdrop of an anti-corruption rally led by the INC, which took place from June 30 to July 2. By linking the Director to inflammatory remarks during this sensitive period, the bad actors behind the post sought to cultivate religious tension and create an adversarial relationship between the NBI and the INC community.
The bureau highlighted Director Matibag’s professional history, asserting that he has consistently maintained a stance of deep respect for the INC and other religious groups throughout his career. The NBI emphasized that Matibag has always upheld the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and inter-faith harmony. These values, the agency argued, stand in direct opposition to the divisive rhetoric falsely attributed to him in the viral social media post, noting that the fabricated claims are entirely incompatible with his established character.
Concluding its statement, the NBI characterized the incident as a “transparent and malicious attempt” to destabilize the government and erode social cohesion. The bureau suggested that the disinformation campaign was strategically calculated to sow discord among citizens and undermine the stability of the state by exploiting religious sentiments. As the investigation continues, the NBI remains steadfast in its goal to unmask the architects of this campaign and restore the integrity of the public discourse surrounding its administration.