Sara Duterte 'threat' video not AI-generated - NBI agent Calilung

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) senior agent John Mark Calilung, a prosecution witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, told the Senate on Wednesday that a video showing Duterte allegedly threatening President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family was not generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

During the third day of the trial, Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo questioned Calilung about his qualifications to determine whether the video of Duterte’s late-night virtual press conference in November 2024 was authentic, citing concerns that it could have been AI-generated.

Calilung said he had undergone cybercrime investigation training and maintained accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.

“Based on my experience, Your Honor, and the video itself, it's two hours long. Normally, an AI-generated video would only last a short second,” the NBI agent said.

Tulfo then asked what method or system Calilung used to determine whether the video was authentic.

Calilung said his conclusion was based solely on his personal observation.

Asked whether the video was AI-generated or authentic, Calilung replied, "The video presented today is what is being seen on Facebook, sir."

Calilung testified for the prosecution on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats and plotting the assassination of Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

On Tuesday, Calilung told the Senate impeachment court that he personally preserved and authenticated the recording of Duterte’s virtual press conference.

The video presented in court shows the Vice President saying: “Huwag kang mag-alala, Ma'am. Sa security ko, kasi may kinausap na ako na tao. Sabi ko sa kanya, kapag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez.”

(Don't worry, ma'am. Regarding my security, I've already talked to someone. I told that person, if I am killed, kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez.) — VBL, GMA News