The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into a list of no fewer than 20 content creators accused of spreading fake news.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said these influencers could face charges of cyberlibel and inciting to sedition. The agency has compiled their online posts.
Santiago revealed on Monday that arrest warrants have already been issued against two of the vloggers.
One vlogger, based in the United States, is also under surveillance, he said.
“Some people take this lightly, saying they have freedom of speech and expression, but those freedoms are not absolute,” Santiago said.
“When you exceed the boundaries of the law and commit a crime, we have to take action,” he added.
The House of Representatives has condemned the prevalence of misinformation, calling it “embarrassing and humiliating” after it escalated when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
