The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is aware of the activities of troll farms and that there are interested parties and organizations that want to sway public opinion in favor of or against various issues.
“We are considering troll farms as part of the major operations we are looking into, not only in elections, but also in other aspects of governance, especially now. We can especially feel it in light of the aftermath of recent developments, especially on controversial operations that we have undertaken,” Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Chief MGen. Nicolas Torre III, during the hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Justice, said.
“We really felt the effect of troll farms and the power of the way interested parties and organizations are shaping public opinion for or against benefactors or sponsors,” he said.
Torre also said that the PNP has no plans to file charges against people spreading fake news against the PNP following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.
“None, Ma’am, that is part of the job, no worries. We can take it, [their] practice of spreading fake news,” Torre replied after being questioned by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Torre said that the PNP is currently conducting retraining of their deputized anti-crime investigators to study the financial transactions of troll farms. The PNP said they have seen troll farm operations with large financial transfers and transactions.