CICC Partners with VERA Files to Bolster Fact-Checking Efforts Against Disinformation

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has formed a strategic partnership with VERA Files to combat the growing threat of fake news and online scams proliferating across social media platforms.

This collaboration comes amid increasing government concern over the damaging effects of disinformation campaigns and cyber-related crimes that officials say are creating widespread confusion among the public while enabling financial fraud schemes that target vulnerable citizens.

Under the newly signed agreement, VERA Files, a respected independent media organization known for its fact-checking initiatives, will serve as the official verification partner for the CICC’s nationwide anti-disinformation campaign. The media group will designate a dedicated point person responsible for handling time-sensitive verification requests forwarded by the CICC.

“Our message for 2026 is clear: Active cooperation and immediate reporting are our best weapons. Disinformation thrives when left unchallenged,” said CICC Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso, emphasizing that public participation remains critical to effectively countering digital threats.

The partnership represents a significant expansion of the government’s digital security infrastructure at a time when social media platforms have become increasingly weaponized for financial and political manipulation. According to cybersecurity experts, the Philippines has experienced a 300 percent increase in online scams since 2020, with fake news often serving as the entry point for more elaborate fraud schemes.

As part of its commitment, the CICC will enhance its existing 24/7 social media monitoring operations to identify potentially harmful content, particularly posts that may be connected to broader cybercriminal networks. Suspicious content will be forwarded to VERA Files for independent verification, establishing a more robust system to distinguish legitimate content from malicious materials.

Both organizations have committed to developing joint monitoring protocols specifically targeting disinformation and scam operations. They will also collaborate on creating effective countermeasures designed to disrupt the spread of false information before it reaches widespread circulation.

Beyond reactive measures, the agreement includes a substantial public education component featuring workshops, community forums, and media campaigns aimed at improving digital literacy across the country. These initiatives will focus on teaching citizens how to recognize common manipulation tactics, verify information independently, and practice responsible online behavior.

The collaboration addresses a critical gap in the nation’s digital defense strategy by combining government authority with independent media expertise. Cybersecurity analysts note that this approach could serve as a model for other Southeast Asian nations facing similar challenges with online disinformation.

The Philippines has emerged as a particularly active battleground for digital disinformation, with its high social media usage rates and developing regulatory framework making it an attractive target for both domestic and international bad actors. Recent studies indicate that approximately 67 percent of Filipinos regularly encounter suspected fake news, with many lacking the tools to effectively evaluate content authenticity.

In light of these challenges, the CICC has issued a public appeal encouraging citizens to verify information before sharing and to report suspicious content through its dedicated hotline 1326 or official social media channels.

“We call on every Filipino to report, verify, and refuse to amplify false content,” Paraiso added, highlighting the role of individual responsibility in maintaining digital information integrity.

The partnership reflects growing recognition that combating disinformation requires a multi-stakeholder approach combining government resources, media expertise, and active citizen participation. With presidential elections approaching in 2028, officials hope this initiative will help establish stronger defenses against political manipulation campaigns that have plagued previous electoral cycles.