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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider ArenaPlus releases statement on misleading deepfake videos circulating online

ArenaPlus releases statement on misleading deepfake videos circulating online

Published Jan 7, 2026 01:24 pm
Last Sunday, January 4, 2026. Content creator Jezreel Ely who does film reviews and videos was surprised when he saw videos on TikTok of himself promoting an online sportsbook app. The video shows Jez in the lower part of the video seemingly promoting the online sportsbook app “ARENAPLUS”. In the video Jez is heard to be saying “Arenapluuz”. The upper part of the video shows a basketball game.
When asked about what he felt when he saw the video this was his reply: “I was shocked, because I thought (that) they just overlaid their video ad on my content. But it was (a) deep fake. I was scared because even my voice, the movement of my lips were in sync.” After the initial shock, Jezreel shared that he then felt worried because he did not agree to promote any gambling app. “It never crossed my mind to do that,” he said.
“It’s alarming because brands may see it and assume that I’m promoting that kind of stuff.” Jezreel, who works with different brands for content shared.
Manila Bulletin TechNews requested for a statement from DigiPlus Interactive Corp. the digital entertainment company behind ArenaPlus.
In the statement ArenaPlus “strongly denounces the fraudulent fake videos circulating online that misuses the ArenaPlus brand identity.”
“The fabricated videos constitute a malicious misappropriation of ArenaPlus assets, designed to deceive the public and falsely link our brand to unauthorized messaging and unauthorized endorsement from individuals not related or connected to the Brand.”
ArenaPlus added that they are “currently coordinating with digital platform providers and relevant authorities to halt the circulation of these branded contents and pursue all appropriate legal actions.”
The statement ends with a reminder to the public to “disregard the videos and refrain from sharing unverified content.”
In a separate incident, last December 29, 2025 Sparkle GMA Artist Center released a statement warning the public against individuals fraudulently impersonating GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gazon-Valdes and Sparkle First Vice President Ms. Joy Marcelo through calling and messaging applications.
“Sparkle engages with talents exclusively through official channels and designated talent management teams. We will never contact aspiring talents via unofficial messaging apps for recruitment purposes.”
The statement ends with a warning that “Sparkle is prepared to take legal action against those found guilty of misrepresentation.”
In a June 2025 news release the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said that it is working closely with the private sector to address digital threats such as deepfakes and online scams effectively.
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