Data privacy violation complaint filed vs 5 or more over Matibag video
MANILA, Philippines — A complaint for alleged data privacy violation was filed against five or more individuals for disseminating a video showing National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag arguing with his friend, Mel Sabio.
In the viral video, Matibag was heard having a heated phone conversation with Sabio over an online post that the latter allegedly made about him.
Due to his anger, Matibag can be heard threatening to kill Sabio.
Sabio, meanwhile, said he would submit a report to a police station.
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In a press conference at the NBI on Monday, Sabio said the incident happened in 2020.
He added that he had already reconciled with Matibag, whom he described as a “friend.”
“It happened in 2020. I was in the other party, in politics in San Pedro, [Laguna], first district. And then, we had a conversation with Atty. [Matibag] over the phone. After that, maybe a few weeks later, we also made up, we talked, and we forgave each other. I also apologized to him because of the posts,” Sabio said in Filipino.
“The post [that was the subject of the argument in the video] was political. So that’s where it started,” he added.
Sabio explained that he recorded the video at the time for his “safety,” adding that although he sent it to another friend, he did not consent to its posting on social media.
He also said he decided to file a complaint for violation of the Data Privacy Act since his family was already affected by the incident.
Following the press conference, Matibag said in an ambush interview that the NBI is also investigating around 400 social media accounts that reposted the video.
“It’s a mix of bots and fake accounts,” Matibag said in Filipino, adding that the NBI is coordinating with Meta in pursuing those behind the dissemination of his viral video.
Duterte impeachment hearing
When asked about the timing of the viral video, which he described as an attack against him, Matibag cited his recent appearance at the House committee on justice hearing on the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
READ: Matibag arrives at House panel hearing on Duterte impeachment
“I just said that ever since they found out I would be testifying before the committee on justice, the posts have come one after another,” Matibag said in Filipino.
When further asked if he was saying that the attacks against him are connected to Duterte’s impeachment case, the former PDP-Laban secretary general said in Filipino, “I am not saying that, but that is the natural consequence or like a result.”
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“Because you’re asking me that, that’s what you’re thinking, right? That’s all. And then you see who the accounts are that live with me. It’s really full force,” Matibag said in Filipino.
Matibag then said the attack against him would make him “work more” at the NBI and “go after illegal criminal activities.” /mcm
