Gatchalian backs NBI-Interpol effort to track fake news spreaders

On Wednesday, March 26, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed full support for the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) efforts to collaborate with Interpol in tracking down Filipinos spreading fake news from abroad.

Gatchalian emphasized that those involved should be brought back to face legal consequences in the Philippines and issued a stern warning to individuals behind online misinformation, urging them to reconsider their actions.

The senator stressed that there is no place for these individuals to hide as authorities will pursue them regardless of where they operate.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the agency is coordinating with Interpol to address legal complexities in countries like the United States, where libel is treated as a civil case rather than a criminal offense.

Gatchalian highlighted the serious impact of fake news on reputations, public opinion, and national security, underscoring the need for a strong crackdown on such activities.