CICC monitors social media during SONA 2026

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The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is monitoring digital activity across social media platforms during this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2026 to help detect potential online threats and curb the spread of false information.

CICC Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the agency began closely monitoring online engagements the night before the event.

“Para sa maayos at mapayapang SONA ngayong taon, kagabi pa lang ay nagsagawa na ang CICC ng mahigpit na monitoring sa mga digital engagement sa iba’t ibang social media platforms,” Paraiso said.

“Kalma lang, Cyberkadas! Sana ay manaig sa atin ang pagiging responsible social media users,” he added.

CICC Director III Paulo Ullado said the round-the-clock monitoring is part of the agency’s regular operations and is not limited to major national events such as the SONA.

“Regardless, parang naman ‘tong isang normal business day lang for CICC. So, what we usually do is we have our 24/7 team monitoring ‘yung social media, internet, lahat ng online (platforms) para tingnan kung merong mga nag-e-emerge na bagong threat, ano yung mga existing na mga threat sa ating bansa,” Ullado said on the sidelines of an event.

Paraiso also reminded the public to verify information through official government sources and credible news organizations before sharing it online.

“Cyberkadas! SONA na naman! Inaasahan ko na alam niyo na ang tamang gagawin sa social media,” Paraiso said.

“Pero hindi ako magsasawang ipaalala sa inyo na dapat mag-research at mag-verify ng impormasyon sa mga kredibilidad na pinakukuhanan niyo ng balita. Think before you share at huwag maging fake news peddler,” he added.

The CICC advised social media users not to circulate posts, photos, or videos that could cause fear, confusion, or the spread of false information.

The public may report posts, images, videos, or other content suspected of containing false information through the anti-cybercrime hotline 1326 or the CICC’s official Facebook page, @ciccegovph.