The head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) urged a vlogger on Sunday to sign a counter-affidavit and provide details regarding alleged irregularities in the execution of a search warrant on his devices.
The warrant was issued in connection with a complaint filed by Police Major Gen. Nicolas Torre III with the police Anti-Cybercrime Group against vlogger Jun Abines. The complaint stemmed from a post where Abines suggested Torre was in the hospital.
In his post, Abines questioned whether Torre was sick, sharing a photo he claimed showed Torre in a hospital bed, with the caption “CTTO” (Credits to the Owner).
In a separate Facebook post, Abines alleged that police officers confiscated his laptops and phones without giving him the chance to close his bank and personal accounts during the operation.
Torre responded, stating he would only address Abines’ claims if he submits a signed document detailing what he observed during the operation at midnight on Saturday.
Lawmakers on Sunday welcomed Torre’s move to take action against the Cebu-based vlogger.
“In today’s digital age, truth matters more than ever. We commend the CIDG chief for his commitment to upholding facts and holding accountable those who deliberately mislead the public,” the group’s statement read.
The group is composed of Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun.
Abines is one of the vloggers and influencers that House committees had invited to hearings on fake news..
“Fake news is a serious threat to our society. It misleads people, distorts public discourse and even puts lives at risk,” they said. “Those who spread false information should be held responsible for the damage they cause, whether to private individuals, public servants or the Filipino people as a whole,” the group added.
The House leaders said the disinformation sows confusion and weakens trust in democratic institutions, stressing that “justice is served through legal means and due process, not through violence or extrajudicial actions.”
The CIDG earlier has served a search warrant on a vlogger.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “House solons back Torre in filing lawsuit vs. Cebu-based political vlogger”