Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), lambasted on Monday, Jan. 8, vloggers who he accused of sowing disinformation to project political instability in the country.

Acorda was referring to the photos and videos showing him and military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. allegedly leading the withdrawal of support from President Marcos.

“It hurts me that there are some people who, for the sake of gaining popularity through their vlogs, would sow disinformation. No less than my face, the face of the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) posted on viral and saying the AFP and the PNP withdrawing support or asking the resignation of the President, it's unforgivable,” said Acorda in his speech during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“This is not right. We have been doing our best to serve the people, to ensure that the PNP would contribute to economic progress. We try to promote investments and tourism but these people have been creating a bad image to the country,” he added.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo earlier urged the public not to believe the vlogs and social media posts as she branded them as fake news and warned those who are posting and sharing on social media.

“As of now we are monitoring these things from the perspective of a law enforcer. If we see and after review if we see there is a violation of law then your PNP will file appropriate charges against those spreading unverified and fake news,” said Fajardo.

Acorda, for his part, said they will not tolerate these kinds of illegal acts using the social media platforms.

“We don't tolerate these things. We respect the freedom of expression and freedom of speech but of course as law enforcers we are mandated by law to protect the community and enforce the law,” said Acorda.

Rumor mill

Since late last year, rumors of destabilization attempts against President Marcos have been circulating on social media and are reportedly topics of heated debates on group chats involving the military and police.

No less than Brawner confirmed last year that there are some retired military officers who have instigating discussions on the issue.

Reliable sources confirmed talks of destabilization and retired military and police officials are allegedly leading the discussions on group chats.

In a press briefing last week. Fajardo also appealed to some retired police and military officials to refrain from dragging the entire PNP on the issue.

“We respect the opinion of our kababayan, including retired PNP and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) officials. Like ordinary citizens, they have the right to speak up but we would like to appeal to them to stop dragging the PNP on the issue,” said Fajardo.

Apolitical stand

“We want to assure the public that the PNP remains apolitical, intact, solid and professional,” said Fajardo.

“The PNP loves our country. We will always uphold the constitution and obey legal orders of the duly constituted authorities,” he added.