PNP probes into 'link' between 2 IED incidents, online drive for disorder during SONA day
Police have intensified the operation to run after those responsible in an alleged attempt to mobilize and encourage anti-Marcos individuals to create disruption and public disorder during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he already tasked the Anti-Cybercrime Group to identify individuals and groups behind the failed attempt to disrupt Marcos SONA.
Police were also tasked to check if the social media instigators are connected to any group that planned but failed to sow public disorder, including two suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incidents reported on SONA day.
One explosion occurred inside the Department of Justice compound while another suspected IED was recovered near the Senate.
“We respect every Filipino's right to free expression but we will take appropriate legal action against individuals who use digital platforms to incite violence, spread credible threats, or facilitate criminal activities,” said Nartatez.
His statement came after the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) disclosed that it had flagged nine social media accounts allegedly linked to hacker groups that reportedly sought to encourage public disorder and gatherings during the SONA.
The accounts have since been taken down after authorities preserved their digital data for investigation and turned over to law enforcement agencies.
Police said Those responsible may face charges that include computer fraud, identity theft, grave threats, and inciting to sedition or rebellion.
“The Philippine National Police, through our Anti-Cybercrime Group and in close coordination with the CICC and other partner agencies, is actively pursuing all available leads to identify those behind these online accounts,” said Nartatez.
He said that investigators have already established leads on the perpetrators behind the incidents.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant, avoid sharing unverified or malicious content, and immediately report suspicious online posts to the authorities,” Nartatez said.