DOJ tasks NBI to probe ‘deepfake’ PBBM audio

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) (File Photo: National Bureau of Investigation/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to unravel the truth behind a social media content that has been manipulated using deepfake technology to make it appear as if President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is directing the military to act against a particular country.

In his directive, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the NBI to “(h)old accountable the personalities behind this deceiving act, make the investigation swift and comprehensive to ascertain the truth.”

“I am instructing you to file the necessary legal action, if warranted, against those behind this fake news,” Remulla added.

On Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) warned the public against an audio recording of President Marcos that was maliciously manipulated and edited using artificial intelligence (AI).

The PCO belied the claim of the manipulated content, and urged the public to join the fight against fake news and be responsible social media users.

“Let us all be more vigilant against such manipulated digital content that are deployed by actors to propagate malicious content online and advance a malign influence agenda,” the PCO said.

“We encourage everyone to work with us in fostering a more aware, resilient, and engaged citizenry in our digital commons,” it added.