CLAIM: A repatriated Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) strangled President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
RATING: FALSE
An AI-manipulated image falsely showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. being attacked by a repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has circulated online.
Flagged content: On March 25, a Facebook user named “Ta Ta” posted a photo showing the president being strangled by an OFW.
- Underneath the photo was a text that says, “WALA KANG KWENTANG PRESIDENTE IBALIK MO YUNG PERANG NINAKAW MO SA KABAN NG BAYAN”.
- The text shown in the photo was repeated in the post’s caption.
Our debunk: Aside from the noticeable visual inconsistencies, multiple AI detection tools indicate that the photo is fake.
- The original photo used for manipulation was taken during the arrival of the fourth batch of repatriates from the Middle East at Villamor Airbase on March 23, where the president welcomed them and provided financial and medical assistance.
- The hands in the photo appear to be anatomically unnatural, with poorly defined fingers, awkward positioning, and unrealistic pressure on the skin and clothing.
- Five MAAM models detected strong signs of AI-generated content, while Fake Image Detector and ZeroGPT both rated the photo as likely modified or digitally edited.
Rewind: Marcos Jr. has been widely criticized for his administration’s handling of various controversies and issues hounding this administration.
- In November 2025, former congressman Zaldy Co accused Marcos Jr. of receiving ₱25 billion in kickbacks from the ₱100 billion insertions in the 2025 national budget. Political opponents since then have also called for the president to be included in the list of officials who should be investigated for corruption.
- Marcos Jr. has also drawn criticism for his administration’s handling of the conflict in the Middle East, including the soaring fuel prices in its wake and the repatriation of Filipinos there.
Why we fact-checked this: The post drew 3,700 likes, 1,500 comments, and 808 shares as of writing.
- The photo’s uploader has 194,000 followers on Facebook and has posted similar anti-Marcos content before.
Spot the fake: The ability to identify AI-generated or manipulated images is now an essential skill in today’s digital age.
- Free AI detection tools are accessible online, though they can sometimes be unreliable. Do not rely on a single tool and always cross-check with others.
- Also watch for visual inconsistencies, such as unnatural body parts, asymmetrical faces, and warped objects; these can often occur in AI-generated images because AI learns only from pixel patterns, not from real people and objects.
- On the other hand, politicians have been targeted by AI-generated images falsely depicting their arrest over alleged corruption scandals. Savannah Lantay
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