DSWD Denounces Fraudulent AI Video Claiming False Information About Relief Distribution

Philippine Social Welfare Department Issues Alert on Fake Disaster Relief Video

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a public warning against a deceptive artificial intelligence-generated video circulating on social media that falsely claims the agency is distributing spoiled relief goods to disaster victims.

In a statement posted on Facebook Monday, the DSWD strongly refuted these allegations, confirming that the video contains fabricated information about the quality and handling of emergency supplies provided during calamities.

“Let us take extra care because there are social media contents that use artificial intelligence to make it appear true in order to deceive you,” the agency cautioned, accompanying the warning with a screenshot of the fraudulent video.

The emergence of this AI-generated misinformation comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Philippines, a nation regularly affected by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that necessitate large-scale relief operations. The DSWD plays a crucial role in these emergency response efforts, coordinating the distribution of food packs, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Officials expressed concern that such false information could undermine public trust in government relief efforts and potentially discourage affected communities from accepting much-needed assistance during future disasters. The Philippines’ disaster vulnerability makes reliable aid distribution particularly critical, with the country experiencing an average of 20 typhoons annually, along with frequent seismic activity across its archipelago.

The DSWD emphasized that its relief operations adhere to strict quality control measures and standardized distribution protocols designed to ensure that assistance reaches those in need efficiently and in good condition. These measures include proper storage facilities, expiration date monitoring, and systematic distribution channels that prioritize the most vulnerable populations.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of combating AI-generated misinformation in the Philippines, where social media penetration is among the highest globally. With approximately 76 million active social media users representing over 68% of the population, the potential reach of such fabricated content is substantial.

Digital rights advocates have previously warned about the increasing sophistication of AI tools that can create convincing fake videos, images, and audio, noting that disaster situations are particularly vulnerable to exploitation through misinformation.

“In these times that AI-generated content seems to be real, it is more important to be critical. Do not believe and share these so easily in order to avoid confusion and fake news,” the DSWD stated in its warning to the public.

The department urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing content related to relief operations. It directed the public to follow its authorized social media accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and Viber, as well as its official website, for accurate and timely information.

Government agencies across the Philippines have increasingly faced challenges from misinformation campaigns, prompting more proactive approaches to digital literacy and fact-checking initiatives. The DSWD’s quick response to this particular instance demonstrates growing institutional awareness of the need to counter false information rapidly.

As AI technology continues to advance, experts suggest that government institutions may need to develop more robust verification systems and public education campaigns to help citizens distinguish between authentic and fabricated content, particularly during crisis situations when accurate information becomes most critical.