NBI enlists Meta to identify accounts targeting lawmaker Cendaña

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is working with Meta Platforms to identify operators of approximately 30 social media accounts that have targeted Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña with mocking posts about his disability and sexual orientation, NBI Director Melvin Matibag announced. The investigation was initiated following a complaint Cendaña filed on September 15, according to the director.

Cendaña, who is a stroke survivor, lodged the complaint after the online harassment campaign against him intensified on social media platforms. The NBI's move to coordinate with Meta represents an effort to combat cyberbullying and harassment targeting public figures in the Philippines.

The investigation seeks to establish the identities of individuals behind the accounts in order to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. The case highlights growing concerns about online harassment and the misuse of social media to target individuals based on protected characteristics.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, regularly cooperates with law enforcement agencies across Asia in responding to requests for user information when investigations involve potential criminal activity or violations of platform policies. The timeline for completing the investigation has not yet been disclosed.