NBI nabs vlogger from Oslob for spreading fake news

Local

THE National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) arrested a vlogger from Oslob town, Cebu, on Thursday night, March 20, for allegedly spreading fake news through a manipulated social media post that misrepresented a statement by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

NBI-7 Regional Director Renan Augustus Oliva identified the suspect as Wendelyn Apduhan Magalso, 30, a resident of Sitio Bombil, Barangay Lagunde, Oslob.

NBI operatives apprehended Magalso after discovering a falsified version of a March 14, 2025 news post by TV5 News Network Inc. circulating on social media.

The altered post inserted a fabricated line into what was originally a quote from President Marcos, falsely attributing to him the statement: “Gumawa tayo ng batas na gawing legal ang droga sa ating bansa.”

Magalso added a caption criticizing the President, accusing him of going too far and expressing pity for innocent people. She challenged him to face the consequences of his supposed actions.

In contrast, the actual quote from President Marcos, as reported by TV5.

"Sa laban kontra droga at krimen, hindi natin kailangan dumaan sa madugong solusyon. Walang naniniwala na ang solusyon sa krimen at droga ay pumatay ng libu-libong kapwa Pilipino. Hindi tama ‘yun. Ang tamang paraan para tiyakin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ay sa pamamagitan ng maayos na batas."

TV5 issued an advisory to warn the public that the circulating version had been altered and misrepresented the President’s statement.

NBI agents launched an investigation, conducted cyber patrols, and coordinated with Facebook to trace the origin of the manipulated content. They identified Magalso as the owner of the account and arrested her shortly afterward.

During a video conference with NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Magalso admitted to creating and posting the altered content.

She said she worked as a content creator and did not intend to cause harm.

She explained that she added the controversial caption to attract attention and potentially earn money online, as her husband was their household's sole income earner.

She apologized to President Marcos and expressed regret for her actions during her interview with authorities.

Santiago emphasized that the bureau would take firm action against those who spread disinformation online. He said the NBI would not tolerate any attempts to manipulate public perception through fake news

The NBI-7 will file charges against Magalso for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Use of Publication) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. If found guilty, she could face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years, and a fine of P40,000 to P200,000.(MyTVCebu)