An official of the National Security Council (NSC) has raised concerns over Filipinos aligning themselves with China’s stance in the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

The warning came as Media Law Professor Marichu Lambino pointed out the emergence of groups and influencers who seem to echo China’s narratives regarding the matter.

In an interview with ANC, Lambino criticized these “so-called influencers,” alleging that they are connected to the powerful Duterte political clan.

She stated, “If you look at the identities of these so-called influencers, they were the same ones who were promoting the then candidacy of then-candidate Duterte at that time and were also the same ones who were promoting the candidate of now Vice President Sara Duterte.”

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya echoed Lambino’s concerns, emphasizing their continuous monitoring of individuals and groups who parrot China’s views on the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking to Teleradyo Serbisyo, Malaya explained, “Mukhang meron. May mga nakikita ako na mga influencers at certain organizations sa ating bansa… Namo-monitor natin ‘yan, we have been monitoring them since the water cannon incident.”

Malaya further disclosed that these influencers organize forums where they propagate China’s narratives verbatim, mirroring statements made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He stressed, “Mayroon nga silang mga forum na ino-organize, and in these forums, very obvious ‘yung script ng China, na kung ano ‘yung sabihin ng Foreign Minister or Foreign Ministry ng China, ‘yun din ‘yung sasabihin nila.”

The NSC official highlighted the importance of free expression but cautioned against the spread of disinformation. “Ang ano lang is, ‘wag magpakalat ng disinformation. ‘Yan kasi ‘yung mas mahirap eh. If it is an actual misappreciation of the fact, okay lang ‘yun. Pero kung ang ipinapakalat ay fake news o disinformation, ‘yun ang dapat labanan natin,” Malaya stated.

He described the situation as “information warfare.” Malaya initially discussed these groups in an interview with the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, suggesting that there might be a Chinese information operation underway in the country.

Additionally, Commander Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on the West Philippine Sea, strongly criticized Filipinos supporting China amid tensions between Manila and Beijing.

He asserted, “If you are a Filipino, whether in government or the private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people.”

While Tarriela emphasized the right of Filipinos to voice their opinions, he warned against acting as a mouthpiece for Beijing. “All Filipinos should unite in calling out China’s aggressive and unlawful actions in the West Philippine Sea,” he urged.

Critics have pointed to alleged political connections between the Duterte government and China.

Lambino noted that the so-called influencers peddling China’s disinformation are “promoters” of Vice President Sara Duterte, and she suggested that President Bongbong Marcos may need some “house-keeping” and “house-cleaning” to address the issue.

The concerns surrounding the alignment with China come on the heels of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Beijing, where discussions on a joint military drill with China emerged.

While the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, critics expressed concerns that political forces in the Philippines may be compromising national interests by favoring China.