PNP has ‘possible source’ of Marcos deepfake video

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, attends the “Saturday News Forum” in Quezon City on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo by ARNEL TACSON | INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Saturday that it has identified a possible source of a deepfake video of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The PNP has begun working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to investigate the video, the PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said on Saturday at the “Saturday News Forum” held in Quezon City.

“We have identified a possible source behind the deepfake audio, but as to the extent of their involvement, that is still the subject of our investigation,” Fajardo said in Filipino.

The deepfake video featured Marcos allegedly ordering an attack on a foreign country.

However, the Presidential Communications Office dismissed the video as a fake.

“We ask everyone to be proactive in exposing and fighting against misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Let us remain and be more mindful and responsible of the content we choose to share in our shared digital spaces,” the PCO said in its statement on Tuesday.

Fajardo added that the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group had taken down the deepfake video and said that those responsible would be held accountable.

“Whether this is intentional or not, those people behind this deepfake audio will be held accountable,” she added.