Tue Jul 15 23:12:56 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Duterte Supporters Unleash AI-Powered Disinformation Campaign After ICC Arrest**

Manila, Philippines – Following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges related to his “war on drugs,” his supporters have intensified digital smear campaigns against opponents, leveraging AI-generated content to spread disinformation.

Victims of the drug war, like Sheerah Escuerdo, are facing intense online harassment. Escuerdo, whose brother was killed in the anti-drug campaign, was shocked to find an AI-generated video falsely claiming her brother was alive and accusing her of lying. The video was spread by pro-Duterte influencers, resulting in a barrage of hate messages and disbelief, even after the victims are seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones.

Mass media expert Danilo Arao says the campaign aims to discredit the ICC, demonize detractors, and portray the Duterte family as persecuted, especially leading up to the May 2025 mid-term elections. Fact-checkers have noted a surge in disinformation surrounding Duterte’s ICC arrest.

The rise in disinformation has triggered widespread concern in the Philippines. A Reuters Digital News report revealed that nearly 70% of Filipinos are increasingly worried about disinformation.

Experts warn that AI is being used not only to create content but also to analyze political trends and craft public relations strategies, amplifying the potential for disinformation. Concerns are growing about the lack of ethical AI legislation and whether politicians will support policies that could curb their own use of disinformation tactics.

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