PNP probes surge of dummy accounts on social media

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started investigating the surge of empty or unauthorized duplicated accounts in several social media platforms reported by students, alumni and faculty of some universities over the weekend.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa, however, admitted that the Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) might have some difficulty with its probe over the alleged cloning of accounts.

“We’re still investigating it kasi hindi naman ganoon kabilis ‘yung pag-investigate pagdating sa social media (it’s not that easy to investigate social media) because we need the cooperation of the administrators of the platforms,” he said in a press briefing Monday.

“But the PNP is doing its best,” Gamboa added.

Nonetheless, Gamboa said the PNP is actively in monitoring the incidents on social media, but nonetheless would encourage the public to report anything “anomalous” or “illegal.”

The police force is also looking if there is a link between those who show dissent against the controversial Anti-Terrorism bill and those whose names were allegedly used in creating fake accounts.

Thousands of fake accounts bearing the names of students, faculties and alumni of local universities, including the University of the Philippines proliferated over the weekend.

Social media giant Facebook is already investigating the surge of dummy accounts.

The Department of Justice will likewise launch a probe into this incident, directing its Office of Cybercrime to coordinate with the cybercrime units of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the PNP to investigate the matter.

EDV