Military’s social media accounts still up: AFP exec

He added that the AFP upholds “truth and accountability of network and social media account managers” as regards the content of posts on their websites, pages, and accounts. (PNA Photo)

MANILA – None of the Facebook accounts that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintain have been removed or shut down, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Wednesday.

AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo issued the statement in reaction to a report that Facebook has shut down pages, accounts, groups, and Instagram profiles managed by people allegedly affiliated with the Philippine military and police, for “coordinated inauthentic behavior”.

“We in the AFP are looking at that report by Facebook in removing certain accounts and posts in its platform,” he said, noting that all of the military’s social media accounts are “up and running”.

He added that the AFP upholds “truth and accountability of network and social media account managers” as regards the content of posts on their websites, pages, and accounts.

The AFP would meet with Facebook Philippines’ policy head Wednesday afternoon — an initiative of the social media giant — but Arevalo clarified that it has no connection with the report.

“It’s been long arranged and has been postponed twice due to issues of schedule. Matutuloy this PM (It will proceed this afternoon). We will take the opportunity to ask for details about that report,” Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesperson, Col. Ysmael Yu said the organization would continue to adhere to cyber etiquette and proper decorum in all public engagements, including social media platforms, chat groups, and private sites.

“We recognize social media as an effective tool that technology can offer, especially at this period of health emergency, to establish pro-active information and awareness activities as well as to build harmonious relationships with the community. As far as we are concerned, official Facebook pages of the PNP and those of our lower units remain compliant with standards and continue to serve its purpose along these objectives,” he said.

All comments and opinions of individual personnel, associations, and sectoral groups on matters that are not related to the organization’s activities are disowned by the PNP as unofficial and unauthorized, Yu said.