Manila: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has announced heightened surveillance of social media platforms in preparation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s upcoming fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27. The initiative aims to curb the spread of misinformation that could lead to public disorder during this significant national event.

According to Philippines News Agency, CICC Undersecretary Renato Paraiso emphasized the importance of maintaining factual discussions during the SONA. He stated that while every Filipino has the right to express opinions, these discussions must not be based on misinformation that could deceive, divide, or incite the public.

Paraiso has instructed the CICC's Threat Monitoring Center and Cybercrime Response Center to be vigilant for potential cyberattacks, orchestrated disinformation campaigns, and individuals attempting to exploit the politically charged environment of the SONA. The CICC's role, he noted, is to protect the integrity of digital space, ensuring that public dialogue remains informed and peaceful.

The CICC encourages the public to engage in healthy democratic conversations and remain alert against those spreading false information for ulterior motives. Paraiso also urged citizens to report any suspected disinformation, fake news, or inflammatory content related to the SONA through the CICC hotline 1326.