Rep. Barbers Takes Action Against Vloggers Spreading Lies on POGO and Drug Investigations

Rep. Barbers Takes Action Against Vloggers Spreading False Information

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers from Surigao del Norte has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate vloggers who he claims are spreading false information about him and his family. Barbers, chair of a committee examining crimes related to illegal drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), cites concerns over disinformation that damages public trust.

In a letter to NBI Chief Jaime Santiago dated November 25, 2024, Barbers provided evidence of derogatory vlogs targeting him and his brother, Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers. He alleges that these vloggers are organized and funded by POGO operators and drug lords who are threatened by ongoing investigations.

Barbers stated, "These vloggers want to destroy my name, my brother’s, and that of my colleagues. They are professional spreaders of lies." He has urged the NBI to file criminal charges against those responsible under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The proposed charges may include libel, sedition, and conspiracy. Barbers believes that with NBI’s action, justice can be served, and the integrity of his committee can be maintained.

The committee was formed to investigate criminal activities involving POGOs, illegal drugs, and extrajudicial killings during former President Duterte’s administration.