By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated on Thursday (25 April 2024) that the individual behind the “deepfake” audio of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is a foreign actor, according to Assistant Secretary Patricia Martin of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
“They’re still actively investigating, but that’s also what the DICT has confirmed, that these are not local hackers,” Martin said in an interview with DZBB on Thursday.
Earlier, the PCO had cautioned the public against video content posted online using Marcos’s voice manipulated through deepfake technology, purportedly urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to attack China.
Martin mentioned that they have reached out to the DICT and the National Security Council to investigate the matter, stating that they will take legal action against those responsible for the deepfake audio.
“Our goal is not only to identify but also to take appropriate action against those spreading false information,” she said.
The PCO official emphasized that the President is “very serious and very concerned” about such matters.
Martin also emphasized the importance of stopping the spread of misinformation and disinformation, as it could potentially harm the country’s foreign relations and national security.
“It is crucial to prevent this type of fake news because it has the potential to cause serious damage to our foreign relations and national security,” she stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
