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Articles by AFP Philippines
Websites falsely connect Marcos Sr to nonexistent banks
Before the Philippines held a mid-term vote dominated by a bitter feud between President Ferdinand Marcos and his impeached vice president Sara Duterte, documents circulated online alleging to show several bank accounts belonging to Marcos's late father as part of a US$10 billion money laundering scheme. However, an AFP analysis found the banks mentioned in the documents do not exist.
Harrison Ford praised climate activists in 2019 speech, not pro-Palestinian protesters Original
"Harrison Ford in support of young people College (sic) encampment protests in 83 US campuses and more around the world," reads a Facebook post that shared the video on April 30, 2024. It calls to "free Palestine" and stop the "brutal attack" of young people on campuses. The video shows the "Indiana Jones" star speaking at a podium surrounded by cameramen. "There is a new force of nature at hand, stirring all over the world," he says.
AI-generated image of people 'climbing Burj Khalifa' fools Facebook users Original
"Because of the floods, people swarmed the Burj Khalifa!" read a Tagalog-language Facebook post that shared the image on April 20, 2024. Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured April 30, 2024 Record rains caused widespread flooding in April 2024 that brought the oil-rich United Arab Emirates to a standstill.
Drinking milk in the morning is not harmful: health experts Original
"Oh my, so we can no longer drink milk in the morning?" reads a Tagalog-language Facebook reel with more than 1.4 million views since it was shared on April 11, 2024. The video shows a man telling viewers to "avoid certain foods in the morning", such as milk. An unrelated clip of plantains plays on the right. Citing unnamed research, he claimed milk "does not build strong bones" and "promotes arthritis and heart disease".
Facebook posts target Gaza aid agencies with baseless 'cigarette deliveries' claim Original
"Trucks of cigarettes also entered Gaza last night. Are cigarettes a basic need? How long can the Palestinians fool the world?" read a Facebook post shared on April 19, 2024. It featured a photo of trucks loaded with boxes at a warehouse. Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on April 20, 2024 The photo was shared in similar posts around the world, including Australia, Britain and Israel.
US military air show videos falsely shared as 'Iran attack on Israel' Original
"Iran Aircraft Attacking on (sic) Israel," read text superimposed on a Facebook reel shared on April 15, 2024. The video -- viewed more than 216,000 times -- shows a clip of planes performing manoeuvres mid-air and another clip of a plane taking off from a runway, as apparent sounds of explosions play in the background. In the bottom left-hand corner of the video, the text "AirshowSt" appears backwards, suggesting the footage had been flipped horizontally.
Video shows 2011 Japan tsunami, not Dubai floods Original
"Check this out guys. Dubai is really pitiful," says a woman narrating a Facebook reel posted on April 19, 2024. "While it's really hot here (in the Philippines), the floods in Dubai are severe," she says in Tagalog. The video -- superimposed with a Tagalog-language sticker that translates as "Dubai today" -- shows massive waves washing away cars and cargo containers. Screenshot of the false Facebook post, taken on April 21, 2024 Similar Facebook posts shared the video here, here and here.
Whooping cough vaccines stored in specialised carriers, not 'biohazard' boxes: Philippine medic Original
Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. Its symptoms include a mild fever, runny nose and coughing spells lasting four to eight weeks(archived link). The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) recorded 1,112 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) between January 1 and March 30, 2024, a significant jump from only 32 cases in the same period in 2023. At least 54 deaths were reported as of the end of March this year (archived link).
'Harmful cosmic rays' hoax recirculates as eclipse mania sweeps North America Original
"Break (sic) News: We must turn off our cell phones later from 10:30 pm to 3:30 am due to strong radiation because of cosmic rays, nucli (sic) atomic," reads the Tagalog-language caption to a photo posted here on Facebook on April 8, 2024. The image -- shared more than 2,000 times -- shows the Sun partly obscured by the Moon during an eclipse.
Disaster, demolition footage falsely linked to Taiwan earthquake in April 2024 Original
"Disaster in Taiwan earthquake and tornado same time," reads a TikTok video posted on April 3, 2024, racking up more than 12 million views. The minute-long video shows various clips, including a fire vortex apparently ripping through buildings, residents fleeing as a huge smoke column billows over a village, along with several scenes of high-rise buildings collapsing. Sticker text overlaid on the video says: "Taiwan today".
Old photo of tilting quake-hit building falsely linked to April 2024 Taiwan earthquake Original
A local media website in the Philippines shared the image in a Facebook post about the latest earthquake on April 3, 2024. It shows a high-rise building leaning at a precarious angle. The Ilonggo-language text overlaid on the image reads: "Taiwan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake". Seven people were killed and hundreds more injured after the powerful earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3, 2024, prompting tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines that have since been lifted.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce not filmed 'falling off beach swing' Original
"Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fall off a porch swing," reads the caption alongside a video shared on Facebook on March 26, 2024. The clip -- viewed more than 48,000 times -- shows two people falling off a beach swing into the sea. It was shared in a group with more than 800,000 members, many of whom were listed as based in the Philippines. The post circulated following Swift's sold-out shows in Singapore -- the only Southeast Asian stop for her blockbuster Eras world tour.
Manipulated videos of Filipino journalists, popular doctor tout 'prostatitis cure' Original
One video appearing to show Filipino journalist Arnold Clavio presenting a news report about cardiologist Dr Willie Ong promoting a "cure for prostatitis" was shared on Facebook on March 15, 2024, where it has been viewed more than 7,300 times. Clavio works for Philippines broadcaster GMA Integrated News, but the video features the logo for a different local news outlet, Inquirer.net. "Willie Ong is said to be chased by the 'pharmacy mafia' because of the truth.
Altered photo does not show Taylor Swift fans dangling from stadium roof Original
"2 fans of Taylor Swift couldn't afford the ticket, so they climbed on the roof just to watch the concert," says a Tagalog-language Facebook post that shared the picture on March 11. The image, shared by a page with 6.9 million followers, appears to show two people dangling from the roof of a concert hall.
Cash gift of 10,000 pesos will not go to 'all Filipino senior citizens' Original
"Wow!! This is such good news!! As long as you're a senior citizen, you will receive 10k. This isn't selective, it's for everyone," reads the Tagalog-language title of a YouTube video posted on February 29, 2024. Filipinos who are at least 60 years old are classified as senior citizens (archived link). The video, which has been viewed more than 47,000 times, appears to show various photos of senior citizens lining up to receive the supposed cash gift.
Christian band's concert misrepresented online as 'rally for former Philippine president Duterte' Original
"If the prayer rally in Cebu flopped according to paid trolls and gullible supporters of stoned Marcos Jr, then what do you call this?" reads the caption to an image viewed more than 50,000 times since it was posted on social media platform X on February 27, 2024. It shows a massive crowd gathering in front of a huge stage. "Surely, your humanity's not just infested with flies, it's rotting with worms," the post's caption adds.
Fake 'Philippine Airlines promo' a ruse to collect credit card details Original
"The Antimonopoly Committee obliged Philippine Airlines to sell part of its air tickets at a low price," claimed part of a Facebook post shared on February 28, 2024. "In this regard, the company organized a promotion -- a Philippine Airlines certificate for 6 months of free flights for only 168 pesos (3 dollars)." The post's accompanying image shows the cabin of a passenger plane with someone holding what appears to be a "card for 6 free flight (sic)".
Philippine FDA boss targeted with edited pictures promoting unregistered eye 'treatment' Original
One of the edited photos shows Zacate, the Philippine FDA's director-general, giving a presentation next to posters that say "Introducing the product Eyes Blue" and "Eyes Blue: Protect your own eyes". The picture was shared on Facebook on December 20, 2023 in a Tagalog-language post that claimed the agency held a "workshop for strategic cooperation" and a "quality inspection" of the touted product in the Philippine capital Manila.
Converting to Islam falsely touted as 'pathway to divorce' in Catholic-majority Philippines Original
"PERMANENT DIVORCE - DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE UNDER SHARI'A COURT (MUSLIM DIVORCE)," reads the caption of this Facebook on January 29, 2024. practising Islamic law handle cases relating to personal laws affecting family relations and property among the Philippines' Muslim minority, estimated at ten per cent of the population (archived link).
Image shows old Hong Kong rally, not 'Beijing protest' in January 2024 Original
The video was shared on YouTube on January 21, 2024. "Xi Jinping is in trouble! Thousands of people protested in Beijing because of China's weakening economy," reads the Tagalog-language title of the video. It shows an image of demonstrators crowding an entire street at night, alongside overlaid text that read: "China in chaos! Millions of people out of jobs." The video was shared as the latest Chinese official figures showed its gross domestic product stood at 5.2 percent last year.
Philippine Navy rubbishes fake report on 'warship attacking Chinese surveillance drone' Original
"BRP Antonio Luna has shown its might," the YouTube video's title says, referring to a Philippine navy ship. "Shoots down Chinese Drone | CCG (China Coast Guard) stunned," it adds in Tagalog. The video, which has more than 27,000 views since it was posted on December 19, 2023, shows a compilation of photos, including an aerial vehicle in flames, a navy ship and a drone.
Video does not show US and Chinese warships in 'South China Sea standoff'
The Tagalog-language video was shared on YouTube on January 17, 2024, less than two weeks after Beijing and Washington staged rival military drills in the disputed waters. The drills followed tense standoffs between China and the Philippines in disputed reefs that saw vessels from the two countries collide and Chinese ships blast water cannon at Philippine boats.
Tsunami video from 2011 falsely linked to Japan quake
"Japan earthquake 2024," says text superimposed on a video with more than 80 million views that was posted on TikTok on January 2, 2024. The video contains five different clips, the first of which shows ships, cars and cargo containers washed away by tsunami waves. The second, third and fourth clips show a street, cars at a parking lot and signs at a train station shaking during an apparent earthquake, while the fifth video appears to show a neighbourhood that was jolted by a quake.
Video of 2011 Japan tsunami resurfaces after New Year's Day quake in 2024
The video, which has been viewed over 57,000 times, was shared on Facebook here on January 2, 2024. It shows a street rapidly turning into a raging torrent, and its caption suggests it was filmed in the central prefecture of Ishikawa as Japan was struck by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on the first day of the new year. The January 1 quake triggered tsunami waves more than a metre high, sparked a major fire and flattened houses.
Clip of undersea tremor in Indonesia falsely linked to New Year's Day quake in Japan in 2024
"This is what the bottom of the sea in Japan looked like during the devastating 6.9 earthquake there as captured by divers," reads the Tagalog-language caption of a post on X on January 2, 2024. The post includes a link to an article with the same false claim published on a Filipino website, alongside a preview image appearing to show divers in the ocean. The article includes a TikTok video of a group of divers trying to grab hold of corals before being jostled by a strong current.
Doctored graphic falsely attributes quote about deadly Philippine bombing to Muslim leader
"Christians do not belong in Marawi City BARMM – that’s possibly why such an incident happened," reads the Tagalog-language quote in a Facebook graphic shared on December 3, 2023. "Marawi City used to be called the Islamic City but because of Duterte, it got destroyed and infiltrated by some groups," the quote continues, which the post attributes to former BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.
Photos of a dead megamouth shark falsely linked to Philippine earthquake
"DEAD FISH BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE!" reads a post shared on a Facebook page with more than 155,000 followers since it was published on November 18. The post shares photos of a dead shark, claiming it washed up on the shores of Barangay Uling, a village in Naga city in the central Philippine province of Cebu.
Videos show wildfires in Argentina, not 'scenes from Israel-Hamas war'
“Hair-Raising. Israel vs Palestine War Update 2023,” read text superimposed on this video, which was posted to TikTok on October 13, 2023. The one-minute, 21-second video -- which showed five ifferent clips of raging fires -- had racked up more than two million views before it was deleted.
Video of building collapse in Turkey shows demolition, not earthquake
"Earthquake in Turkey. The way God shows anger towards people is truly something else," reads Tagalog text overlaid on a Facebook reel posted on October 19. The reel, which has racked up more than 330,000 views, shows a nine-storey building crashing to the ground. Another building partially seen to the left of the tower block remains standing and undamaged.
Posts falsely claim China 'out of ASEAN' after direct confrontation by Philippines
The eight-minute-long video was viewed more than 171,000 times after it was posted on YouTube here on September 7, 2023. Its Tagalog-language title, written in all capitals, says: "China out of ASEAN! Everyone sided with PBBM! China extremely embarrassed! The whole world was shocked!" "PBBM" refers to Philippine President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos. The video shows clips of Marcos and China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Posts falsely claiming 'Philippines fired water cannon at China ships' share doctored images
"Philippine Coast Guard loses patience! Fires water cannon at aggressive Chinese maritime militia at Ayungin," reads the headline on a YouTube video published on September 19. It uses the Philippine name for Second Thomas Shoal, an atoll about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from China's nearest major landmass of Hainan island.
Iodised salt not harmful: health experts
"We already know iodised salt is a synthetic salt that is harmful to the body," says a Facebook post shared on July 27. Iodised salt is salt fortified with iodine, which the body needs to make thyroid hormones that develop the brain. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends all food-grade salt used in households and food processing be iodised to tackle iodine deficiency disorder (archived link).
Video shows Japan mudslide in 2021, not Libya floods in 2023
"Oh My God Save The Country of Libya. Ameen," reads text on a Facebook reel shared here on September 13, 2023. The clip -- viewed over 4,000 times -- shows a mudslide ripping down a hill dotted with buildings, toppling power lines and engulfing infrastructure. Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on September 20, 2023 The video was also shared with similar claims on Facebook here and here, where it was viewed more than 570,000 times.
Unregistered farm product not promoted by famous Philippine doctor Original
"Effective solution to the weed problem," reads a Facebook post shared on August 29. The post features an image of Dr Willie Ong -- a popular doctor with millions of followers on social media -- appearing to stand next to boxes of "RedMagic Organic Herbicides". A picture that appears to show a registration certificate with the name and logo of the agriculture department's Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority also features in the post.
Fabricated report falsely claims Philippines fired at Chinese vessels in South China Sea
"The Philippines fired at Chinese ships entering Scarborough Shoal," reads Tagalog text on the thumbnail of a YouTube video shared on August 13, referring to a rich fishing ground in the South China Sea that Beijing seized from Manila in 2012 after a tense standoff. The thumbnail shows an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as ships that appear to be carrying the Philippine and Chinese flags, with missiles launched from the Philippine vessel.
Philippine Facebook posts share false 'cash aid for all students' claim Original
"SCHOOL ALLOWANCE FROM DSWD AND DEPED FOR THOSE STUDYING," says a Tagalog-language Facebook post shared here on August 15. It features a graphic showing images of 1,000-peso bills as well as Vice President and education secretary Sara Duterte alongside text saying "all students" are entitled to 7,000 pesos and free school supplies under a "scholarship". The post also includes a purported scholarship registration link.
No Philippine cash assistance programme 'based on birth month'
The false announcement was shared as a graphic on a Facebook group called "DSWD Cash Assistance Update" on September 3. It bears the DSWD logo and urges people to sign up for a purported anti-hunger programme where they are eligible to receive a minimum 7,000 pesos ($120) monthly allowance. The graphic also features an image of an elderly woman who appears to be receiving cash assistance. The caption goes on to say amounts vary depending on the birth month of the beneficiary.
Video shows 2011 Japan earthquake, not '11.9 magnitude quake in California'
"Sign of Jesus second coming," reads a Facebook reel posted on August 29. The video, which has more than 1.5 million views and 16,000 shares, shows various clips of buildings and cars shaking violently and debris crashing down to the ground.
Video clips do not show astronaut Buzz Aldrin saying Moon landing was 'fake'
"Buzz Aldrin admits Moon Landing was fake," says the caption of a video posted on a Philippine-based Facebook page on March 16, 2023. Meanwhile, sticker text that appears in the beginning of the video reads: "Buzz Aldrin Admits Not Going To The Moon." Aldrin -- the second person to set foot on the Moon, after mission commander Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969 -- is the last surviving member of the Apollo 11 mission.
Philippine President Marcos not first leader to award cash to athletes
"OMG THIS IS HISTORIC!" says the Tagalog-language title of a YouTube video with more than 23,000 views. "THIS JUST HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME PBBM REWARD CASH CHEQUE FOR FILIPINO ATHLETES." 'PBBM' stands for President Bongbong Marcos, referring to the leader's popular nickname. The video, posted on August 9, shows Marcos addressing athletes who bagged medals at the Southeast Asian Games and Para Games in Cambodia in May and June.
Philippine social media posts falsely claim unregistered barley product cures cancer
"After 186 long and difficult days, Zoey, the daughter of Anthony Taberna, is now back to normal health," reads a post shared on July 19 on a Facebook page called "Anthony Taberna Family". Taberna is a popular broadcaster, who hosts a radio programme for the Manila Broadcasting Company. The posts surfaced after his daughter -- Zoey -- was declared cancer-free in 2022, two years after she shared the news that she was diagnosed with leukemia (archived link).
Experts dismiss claim 'mobile phones attract lightning' during thunderstorms
"The storm and winds are strong, along with the lightning," reads a Tagalog-language Facebook post shared in a group with more than 36,000 members.
Facebook users fall for AI-generated image of Pope Francis celebrating mass before massive crowd
"LOOK: Picture of about two million young people that attended Mass with Pope Francis in Lisbon!" reads part of the caption to the image posted on Facebook on August 9. It includes the hashtag "#WorldYouthDay2023" which refers to the six-day international Catholic jamboree that ran from August 1 to 6 in Portugal's capital Lisbon. The image appears to show the 86-year-old pontiff from the back as he raises both hands in front of a massive crowd.
Experts dismiss claimed effects of 'height-boosting' essential oil
Orthopaedic surgeons say there is no evidence essential oils can help to make someone taller, contrary to claims viewed thousands of times in social media posts about a product purportedly endorsed by a popular Filipino physician. The orthopaedists told AFP that a person's height is determined by genetics and lifestyle, and there are no non-invasive ways for an adult to get taller.
Posts misinterpret proposed reforms to Philippine military pension
Philippine officials have rejected social media posts falsely claiming the archipelago has lowered the state pension age to 40 years old. Facebook, TikTok and YouTube posts, which racked up hundreds of thousands of views, misrepresented a video of the finance chief calling to reform the military's pension system, which currently has no minimum age. The old-age pension programme for the general working population in the Philippines starts at 60 years old.
Video shows Spanish navy vessel, not Philippines' 'first nuclear submarine'
A video has been viewed thousands of times alongside a false claim it shows the Philippines' first nuclear submarine on a test dive in disputed waters in the South China Sea near the western island of Palawan. The footage is in fact of an underwater vessel owned by the Spanish navy in waters near Cartagena in Spain. A Philippine Navy representative told AFP the country has yet to acquire a submarine of its own.
This is drone footage of a volcano in Iceland, not Mount Mayon in the Philippines
Footage of the mouth of a volcano during an eruption has been repeatedly shared in Facebook posts that falsely say it shows the crater of the volatile Mount Mayon in the Philippines. The video was actually taken by a photographer in Iceland, who flew a drone above the country's Fagradalsfjall volcano to capture its eruption in 2021. A breathtaking clip of lava bubbling out of the mouth of a volcano was shared on Facebook Reels on June 9.
Doctors refute false claim that powdered milk product can enhance breast size Original
Filipino doctors say consuming milk does not enhance the size of one's breasts, contradicting false claims shared on Facebook to promote a brand of powdered milk. A plastic surgeon and a gynaecologist separately told AFP that only surgical procedures effectively enhance breast size. "Goodbye flat, saggy breasts. Get large, full, toned breasts. No operation, no pain, no down time," reads the Tagalog-language caption of a video shared on Facebook on June 7, 2023.
Videos show replica food made for display, not for human consumption Original
Two videos have been viewed millions of times in the Philippines alongside a false claim they show "fake cabbages" being made for consumption. However, the clips are in fact demonstrations of how realistic display food items are created in Japan in a town known for first making the replicas. One clip shared on Facebook Reels on June 6, 2023 was captioned "#fakefood". The video shows a man pouring a liquid into a tub of water before it appears to solidify into an object that looks like a cabbage.
Footage shows robbery incident in Malaysia, not the Philippines
A graphic video of a man assaulting a woman in an elevator has been viewed hundreds of times in Facebook posts that falsely claim it shows a robbery in a mall in the Philippine capital, Manila. However, the clip has previously circulated in news reports that say it shows a robbery at a train station elevator in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, in 2019. Warning: violent content The video was posted here on Facebook on June 6, 2023.
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