Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced plans to issue a subpoena to a social media user accused of spreading false information about acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. The user allegedly claimed that Nartatez had encouraged police, military, and other uniformed personnel to disobey orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson and public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o described the post as "fabricated and malicious," suggesting it was made to sow confusion and undermine the credibility of the police force. The post, which also labeled the President as a "thief of the country's treasury," has since been removed, but the PNP presented a screenshot during a press briefing at Camp Crame.

The individual behind the post, using the Facebook name "Rose Ann" and identified as a professional residing in Mindanao, has not been publicly named. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is expected to issue the subpoena, providing the netizen an opportunity to present her side of the story.

Tua±o explained that under the Cybercrime Act and the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the motive behind spreading disinformation is irrelevant. Individuals can be charged under RPC Article 154, with penalties enhanced by the Cybercrime Law. "When they spread disinformation, they can be charged under RPC Article 154, the penalty for which the Cybercrime Law has increased by one degree," he stated.

In response to the incident, the PNP released a statement affirming its commitment to the Filipino people and the rule of law. The statement urged the public to verify information through official channels and to refrain from disseminating unverified content that could mislead others or erode public trust.