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THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should file criminal raps against Filipinos spreading pro-China narratives following the agency’s move to investigate vloggers linked to disinformation campaigns, a congressman said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Zambales Rep. Jefferson F. Khonghun called on the NBI to file cyber libel, espionage, sedition, and terrorism charges on individuals spreading pro-China propaganda and disinformation.

“If their actions cross the line into aiding the enemy, spreading disinformation, or sabotaging national interest, they must be held criminally liable,” Mr. Khonghun added.

The NBI said earlier that they are investigating about 20 vloggers linked to spreading disinformation.

The congressman had called these Filipinos wumaos, a Chinese phrase referring to individuals paid to post pro-government propaganda.

“Wumaos are not just online trolls. They are dangerous enablers of foreign aggression,” he said.

Mr. Khonghun added that these individuals have been defending Chinese incursions, downplaying harassment of Filipino fishermen, and attacking the Armed Forces and the government on online platforms.

“The government cannot allow Filipino citizens to act as mouthpieces for a foreign power, especially as tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) escalate,” he said.

Last week, House lawmakers conducted their third tri-committee hearing to tackle the rising threat of online disinformation and fake news, which seeks to hold accountable persons deliberately spreading disinformation. — Adrian H. Halili