Doctor loses P93M in Marcos deepfake video scam; 2 suspects nabbed

Authorities arrested two suspects in Angeles City, Pampanga who were allegedly involved in an investment scam that used a manipulated video of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

According to John Consulta’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” an entrapment operation laid by the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) nabbed the suspects in a coffee shop after they received marked money of what was supposed to be over P20 million.

Victim Dr. Marie Faith Sagun-Villarta said she was persuaded to trust the suspects and invest after they gave her expensive gifts that included a bag, a watch, and two vehicles, which they claimed were from the President.

“That time mag pa-file ng candidacy yung mga politicians parang year 2024. Mag invest daw kami kasi kailangan ng funds and after manalo or after some time, magkakaroon ng dividends. Nag start siya ng mga 20% to 30%,” Sagun-Villarta said.

(At that time, it was around the period when politicians were filing their candidacies, I think in 2024. They told us to invest because they needed funds, and after they won or after some time, we would receive dividends. It started with about 20% to 30%.)

She said she gave P93 million to the suspects in a span of one year.

Sagun-Villarta added she became distant from her family when she got involved in the investment scam.

The suspects are facing charges for estafa, or swindling, through false pretenses or fraudulent acts in relation to cybercrime.

GMA Integrated News has sought comment from the suspects, who are under the custody of PNP-CIDG Tarlac.

“Anyone can see the difference between the President’s speech pattern and the individual in the subject video. It is without a doubt a deepfake… an AI generated video,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said.

“Hindi na ba sila nadala sa kagagawa ng fake video para sirain ang Pangulo? Magtrabaho na lang silang mga obstruction, at tumulong na lang sila sa Pangulo para mas mai-angat pa ang Pilipinas,” she added.

(Haven’t they learned their lesson from making fake videos just to discredit the President? They should stop being obstructionists and instead help the President raise the Philippines.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News