DND: AI-generated videos on Middle East conflict are fake news

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday warned the public against AI-generated videos and other similar materials spreading false narratives on the conflict in the Middle East.

In a post on Facebook, the DND disowned the AI-generated video and called for heightened vigilance against disinformation and unverified materials.

“We urge vigilance against disinformation and condemn those who unnecessarily rouse panic during these circumstances,” the agency said.

“We enjoin the public to refrain from sharing unverified materials and obtain information only from reliable sources,” it added.

The post included a screenshot of the AI-generated video in question, which featured a photo of DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Its caption falsely suggested that Teodoro was concerned that the Philippines might be affected by the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel.

“At the moment, the conflict is contained within the Middle East and there is no credible threat to our territory, as well as to Filipinos and foreign citizens in the Philippines,” the DND reiterated.

It added that such false information are “harmful and cause unnecessary confusion among the public.”

“Rest assured that the DND remains ready to respond to possible contingencies to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos should conditions warrant further action,” the DND said.

Earlier, the DND and the military assured that the tensions in the Middle East do not pose any direct threat yet to the Philippines’ security amid calls to review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between Manila and Washington. — JMA, GMA Integrated News