Pasay City, Philippines – Atty. Maria Kristina Conti, assistant to the counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), along with families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, has formally filed affidavits and investigation requests before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday. Their complaints address increasing online harassment and the spread of misleading information targeting them.
This legal action follows a rise in false information circulating on social media after the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Many Filipinos have encountered unverified claims, deceptive reports, and misinformation that have led to public confusion.
Atty. Conti emphasized that human rights defenders and victims’ families are facing escalating online threats, including red-tagging and smear campaigns. She urged authorities to address these digital attacks, which put lives at risk and hinder the pursuit of justice.
“The spread of disinformation and coordinated harassment poses a serious threat to those advocating for human rights and justice,” Conti stated at a press briefing. “We call on authorities to investigate and take action against these harmful activities.”
Families of EJK victims have also raised concerns about the threats they receive online, noting that digital harassment exacerbates their trauma. Many are calling for stricter measures against disinformation, particularly concerning human rights cases.
The NBI has acknowledged the complaints and assured the complainants of a comprehensive investigation. Officials have also urged the public to be cautious and verify information before sharing it online.
This development underscores the need to combat digital misinformation and ensure the protection of individuals advocating for human rights, particularly in a politically sensitive climate. The complainants remain hopeful that their legal action will lead to accountability and enhanced safeguards against online threats.
