SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 9:02 a.m. While I can still hear the sound of hammering in the distance, I am now beginning to get a sense of tranquility and stillness around me.
I’m simply going back and forth between Instagram and Facebook, reading up on the newest news on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, and watching videos. A collection of photos by Filipino photographer Ezra Acayan, whose work has long shown the brutal truth of Duterte’s drug campaign, jumps out as I scroll past headlines and popular postings.
There is a story that is conveyed by each and every one of them that resonates with the feelings of the viewer. One, in particular, absorbs me: Marianito Libo-on, captured in Ezra’s photo smoking a cigarette while leaning against a door. In front of him, on the floor, is his son Jomar’s blood, spilled after he was shot in Quezon City on June 14, 2017.
There is an undeniable weight to that instant, as it stands still. It makes you wonder—what could have been going through his mind after his son was gunned down by masked executioners right in front of his wife and children?
The fact that Ezra’s photographs are overshadowed by edited information meant to deceive rather than educate is disturbing, even if his work provides a clear view of reality. There have been an overwhelming number of images and videos shared on social media since Duterte’s detention, with many of them obviously manipulated from unrelated events to make it seem as if they occurred in the days after his capture.
Disappointingly, more phony postings are making the rounds than Ezra’s authentic images, which show genuine events that have yet to be brought to justice. Even more troubling is the number of people who fail to verify information and facts, yet mindlessly share these misleading posts.
Social media platforms have become a battleground where both true and false narratives compete for control, further deepening divisions in an already polarized society. Regardless of whether one favors or is opposed to Duterte, it is crucial to acknowledge the risks presented by inaccurate information and the importance of responsible news consumption.
Recent fact-checks conducted by reputable organizations have shown several viral postings that were either purposefully changed or carelessly disseminated without any verification. They include assertions that supporters of Duterte held a rally in the Netherlands when the video was taken in Serbia; the claim that First Lady Liza Marcos attended a dinner party with International Criminal Court judges in the United States, when in fact, the photo was from a different event; and a video showing Duterte waving to apparently supporters in The Hague, which was filmed during a mass activity in Hong Kong.
All these cases exploit public emotions and biases to push an agenda. This phenomenon isn’t just about Duterte. It’s a recurring pattern where political narratives—regardless of who is in power—are shaped by misinformation, often weaponized to serve agendas.
Coincidentally, I was participating in a fact-checking workshop organized by Canal France International when Duterte was apprehended and disinformation campaigns started spreading across social networks. The training served as a reminder that social media is a very powerful tool, but its accessibility and the speed with which information can be distributed make it just as, if not more, harmful when abused.
Users often disseminate information that supports their opinions without verifying it. Algorithms exacerbate this issue by creating echo chambers that reinforce rather than disprove erroneous information by exposing users to more of what they already think.
This leads to the rapid dissemination of false information, which in turn shapes public perception and, in extreme cases, actual behavior. Understanding the difference between misinformation and disinformation is key to recognizing how these narratives take root.
Misinformation refers to inaccurate or misleading information that is shared without the intent to deceive. It is possible for someone to unwittingly spread false information while believing it to be real. On the other hand, disinformation is deliberately crafted to mislead individuals, often used for propaganda, political manipulation, or inciting public sentiment.
The phrase “fake news” encompasses a wider range of practices, including media manipulation and the deliberate spread of false information. Whether the person spreading it knows it is untrue determines whether it is misinformation or disinformation.
To avoid being a victim of fake news, people should verify the source of the information and always check whether it is coming from a credible news organization or an anonymous social media page. Fake news often originates from obscure sources.
Being cautious of emotional triggers is also key. Take a moment to confirm before sharing a message that causes an intense emotional response, such as anger, indignation, or profound pity. Because a video or picture may be authentic yet deceptive if taken out of context, it is also critical to check for context.
You can stop the spread of misinformation by always checking the publishing date and source. Last but not least, social media users should consider their audience before sharing, as their actions contribute to the dissemination of knowledge with each click of the share button.
Duterte’s case is just one example. Disinformation has influenced elections, health crises, and global conflicts. Without collective vigilance, the damage extends beyond politics—it weakens democracy itself. If we want a more informed and responsible society, we must all play our part in stopping the spread of false information.
Truth should always matter.
