A coordinated smear campaign has targeted Catholic priest Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, a vocal critic of the drug war, using suspicious social media accounts, AI-generated content, and synchronized posts across Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
The attacks intensified after Villanueva joined complainants in filing plunder charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, and focused on discrediting both his past drug use and his priestly identity.
Analysis of comments and posts shows evidence of coordinated engagement, including copied messages and sudden spikes in activity, while at least one video appeared to be manipulated with AI technology.
Villanueva, a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee known for advocating justice for drug war victims, has faced harassment and legal challenges before, but continues his work through initiatives like Project Paghilom.
He declined to engage with the disinformation campaign, saying he will focus on his ministry of empowering lives and restoring human dignity.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 11, 2026
PRIEST CRITICIZING DRUG WAR TARGETED IN COORDINATED SMEAR CAMPAIGN
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