PNP probes possible link between fake FB accounts, anti-terror bill

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa on Tuesday, June 9, said they have yet to establish a connection between the sudden increase in fake Facebook accounts and the controversial anti-terrorism bill.

Gamboa said he has ordered the PNP-Anti-Cyber Group (ACG) to launch an investigation into the fake Facebook accounts and coordinate with the social media company in tracking down those responsible.

“We still have to find out the connection kasi mahirap mag conclude without appropriate basis but once we can brought those na gumagawa ng Facebook accounts na fake then we can have our conclusions but as of yet wala pa kaming definite na connection with those allegedly destabilizing the government,” Gamboa said in a televised briefing.

Fake Facebook accounts emerged over the weekend, targeting students and alumni of the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University and other universities as well as some journalists.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said they received at least 112 reports hours after they launched an investigation into the matter.

He said some of the complainants found two or more dummy accounts.

Perete said they have coordinated with Facebook to take down several accounts after preserving evidence for an investigation.

In a separate interview, National Privacy Commission (NPC) commission Raymun Liboro said it is “very unusual” that fake accounts will surface all at the same time or day.

“Sa karanasan ng NPC, unusual ‘to. ‘Yung mga impostor account, dummy account, ‘yan ay bahagi na ng buhay sa loob ng Facebook. Pero ‘yung ganitong bugso ng mga reports, very unusual,” he said.

The PNP ACG urged those who found dummy accounts in their name to take screenshots of the fake account including the Facebook ID number, universal resource locator (URL) and any other representation that will prove that the identifying information of the victim was acquired, used, misused, possessed, transferred, altered or deleted without their consent.

The creation of dummy accounts violates the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, particularly the provision on computer-related identity theft.

The ACG said such violation is punishable by imprisonment of six years and one day to 12 years.

The ACG also encouraged those with Facebook accounts to improve their security and limit those who can see their photos and posts.

It said account owners should also be vigilant when dealing with any friend requests.

“It is important that you do some research on the Facebook account before accepting the request,” the ACG said.

“Please note that some attackers create Facebook accounts purposely to stalk or monitor their target’s activities on the platform,” it added. (SunStar Philippines)