Philippine military disables Facebook features to counter pro-Beijing trolls

“Troll farms are a menace to society, and we choose not to empower inauthentic actors in their coordinated attempt to spread disinformation and malinformation,” Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the armed forces’ public affairs office, said in a statement.

The military apologised to its “legitimate followers” affected by the temporary measure, adding that official statements, releases, and information would continue to be shared through official channels and recognised media.

“We call on everyone to report malicious activities online and receive information from reputable sources only,” Trinidad said.

In June, armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner warned of an “alarming surge in disinformation campaigns” designed to “sow panic, divide the nation, and distract Filipinos from pressing issues that demanded collective attention.