NBI taps Meta to identify netizens mocking Cendaña

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has tapped Meta to trace the individuals behind at least 30 social media accounts mocking the disability and sexual orientation of Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña, Director Melvin Matibag said.

This is in response to the Sept. 15 complaint filed by Cendaña — a stroke survivor and openly gay man — seeking the NBI’s help in probing the online accounts — including those of Cho Moreno, MP Miko Pogay and Kiffy Chu — supposedly posting numerous content that could violate the Magna Carta of Disabled Persons and the Safe Spaces Act.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau’s Cybercrime Division “is acting on it (Cendaña’s complaint) already.”

READ: Lawmaker, as PWD, goes to NBI over online insults

“We are asking Meta for the identification. We have a direct line [now] with Meta for these purposes,” he told reporters in an interview on Thursday.

“If you remember, we went to Singapore, that’s one of the commitments of Meta—to provide us documents that we will ask,” he added.

‘Common thread’

Cendaña cited his experiences from various social media accounts in his complaint.

He pointed out further a “common thread” in the accounts attacking him—their disagreement with his political views.

The lawmaker noted that the attacks pertaining to his physical appearance began after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa made a remark against him following his filing of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte in 2024.

The lawmaker said his complaint is not solely about his personal experiences but that of all person with disability experiencing discrimination. /das