By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified potential origins of the deepfake technology used against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to its spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo.

“Initially, sir, we have identified a possible source of this deepfake audio, but the extent of their involvement remains the subject of our investigation,” Fajardo stated during a news forum.

She mentioned that the deepfake audio has already been removed by the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG). Both parties are now under a joint investigation by the PNP and the DICT, with the latter leading the probe.

Fajardo explained that the PNP’s role in the investigation focuses on the technical aspects to determine the potential location or origin of the deepfake audio.

“Whether intentional or not, those responsible for this deepfake audio will be held accountable,” Fajardo affirmed.

Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify and take legal action against those responsible for the deepfake audio.

(el Amigo/MNM)