Media uncovers AI-manipulation of images presented during Duterte’s ICC hearings

CHEERS TO media organizations that fact-checked the deliberate disinformation targeting the families of drug war victims during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearings at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Human rights advocates and relatives of drug war victims held a press conference at the Hague, Netherlands on February 22 before the start of the hearings. 

Reporting on the press conference for ONE News, Angela Lagunzad-Castro posted a Facebook photo of Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, with relatives of drug war victims Llore Pasco and Sheerah Escudero.

On February 25, an edited photo of the group circulated online. With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) the photograph showed the three women carrying luxury label bags. Uploaded by a Duterte supporter and influencer, the post was clearly designed to present them as women of means – countering the narrative about the latter being poor.  

The photo went viral online, gaining online attacks and harassment against the group. 

Debunked

ONE News immediately refuted the edited photo as disinformation.  In a Facebook post on the same day, it alerted the public to the use of the photograph “to spread false information.” The news outlet also clarified that the original photo was taken by Lagunzad-Castro, their anchor who was reporting from The Hague.  

Several media outlets supported the ONE News fact-check, offering additional verification and context. Rappler confirmed the correction by pointing out that livestreams from other news organizations covering the press conference showed no luxury bags carried by the women. 

Philstar.com focused on the signs of manipulation in the AI-edited photo and pointed out how the comments on the viral post appeared synchronized, suggesting the coordinated activity among online troll networks. 

Bulatlat cited Movement Against Disinformation (MAD) executive director Grace Salonga, who said that the viral photo could be subject to a cyber-libel case. Salonga stressed that posts deliberately spread to mislead the public can endanger the families of drug war victims, helping the public understand the possible legal consequences of such disinformation. 

Inquirer.net highlighted human rights lawyer Atty. Maria Sol Taule, who called out theinfluencer  for spreading false narratives. Taule clarified that the funds used for the victims’ trip were pooled by advocates. She also explained her role in assisting Sheerah Escudero, noting that she had simply lent her warm clothes due to the cold weather.

False narratives

Reports by Rappler, Philstar.com, Bulatlat, and Inquirer.net did more than simply document the coordinated manipulation. Their reports highlighted the timing of the use of photos after victims’ lawyers at the ICC emphasized that the “war on drugs” unfairly targeted the urban poor. The timing helped readers to understand how such disinformation can undermine the ICC prosecution, its legal processes, and the victims themselves.

Rappler, Philstar.com, and Bulatlat also called attention to the disturbing pattern of false narratives.  They referred to another manipulated image involving Ephraim Escudero, Sheerah’s brother, and an alleged drug war casualty. His photo had been intentionally altered to make it appear that he was alive and working abroad.

The two examples show up the attempt of Duterte’s support networks to sustain false narratives at a critical juncture of the trial, all of which could gain public support for Duterte, discredit the victims, their families, and human rights advocates who speak out. 

The use of AI tools makes it possible to spread of false information with even greater speed. As these tools become more accessible online, journalists must be alert to its use and must respond with even more speed in presenting the facts so as to cut down the great harm of disinformation taking root in the public mind. 

Reports must act to expose the use of disinformation, uphold the integrity of public discussion and ensuring truth as its foundation.

The objective for media coverage should favor the truth as presented by more credible claims and claimants.