UN rapporteur asked to probe government use of trolls

MANILA, Philippines — United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan was urged yesterday to look into the government’s alleged use of trolls to disseminate fake news and misinformation.

According to House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT party-list Rep. France Castro, Khan’s visit is a welcome development as she could see the “real situation of freedom of expression in the Philippines, especially considering the challenges faced by those who express dissent against the government.”

“Khan should look into how the government utilizes trolls and anti-communist media stations to spread lies and fake news,” Castro said.

“There have been instances when people who voiced out opposition were red-tagged, harassed or even killed,” she added.

Khan’s visit is crucial in shedding light on the state of freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines, Castro said.

“We hope that her visit will lead to concrete actions and recommendations that will uphold and protect the rights of freedom of opinion and expression of Filipinos,” she said.

Khan is expected to conduct dialogues with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Task Force on Media Security as well as human rights groups.

Khan will also meet with members of civil society organizations from Northern and Central Luzon on Jan. 26.

Baguio City information officer Jordan Habbiling said the meeting would be held at city hall and will be facilitated by Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan as well as Councilors Jose Molintas, Arthur Allad-iw and Peter Fianza. — Artemio Dumlao