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'Sobra na': PNP backs calls for laws beefing up drive vs troll farms

Philippines | National

'Sobra na': PNP backs calls for laws beefing up drive vs troll farms

By Aaron Recuenco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support to any move to strengthen laws that will effectively address troll farms and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said there is a need for laws that keep pace with emerging online threats as digital disinformation and coordinated online harassment continue to challenge public trust and security.

“The Philippine National Police recognizes that existing laws must continuously evolve to keep pace with AI-driven disinformation, coordinated troll operations, and deepfake technology,” said Nartatez.

“We support closer coordination with our partners in government, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, to strengthen investigation and enforcement capabilities,” he added.

While current laws provide a basis for action, Nartatez stressed that emerging digital threats require clearer legal tools and faster response mechanisms to protect public order and trust.

Police raised concerns that current statutes on cybercrime and libel are often not sufficient for large-scale, coordinated, and AI-assisted online operations.

Nartatez warned that the issue has surpassed online abuse and now carries broader security implications, “Deepfakes and coordinated online harassment are now serious public order concerns,”

“The PNP treats these as potential threats not only to individuals but also to institutional credibility and national security,” he added.

Nartatez also said that the PNP’s cybercrime units under the Anti-Cybercrime Group will intensify monitoring and dismantling of suspected troll farms and disinformation networks.

Related Tags

PNP NBI troll farms Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

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