Pampanga Deepfake Scam Using Marcos’ Video Busted

Authorities have arrested two individuals in Angeles City, Pampanga, for their alleged role in an investment scam that used a manipulated video of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deceive investors into giving millions of pesos.

According to John Consulta‘s Wednesday report on GMA’s “24 Oras,” the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) conducted an entrapment operation at a coffee shop, where the suspects were caught receiving marked money amounting to part of the supposed P20 million investment.

Victim Dr. Marie Faith Sagun-Villarta shared that she was lured by the suspects after being showered with expensive gifts such as luxury bags, a watch, and even two vehicles, which they falsely claimed were from President Marcos himself. Convinced, she invested a total of P93 million across one year.

She recalled that the suspects claimed the investment was part of a political fund drive ahead of the 2024 elections, promising dividends of 20% to 30% once candidates won or after a set period. The ordeal not only cost her millions but also strained her relationship with her family.

The PNP-CIDG confirmed that the suspects would face charges for estafa or swindling through deceit, under provisions related to cybercrime. The agency is also pursuing further investigations to uncover other possible victims and confirm the source of the deepfake video.

GMA Integrated News reached out to the detained suspects, currently held at PNP-CIDG Tarlac, for comment, but received no response.

Malacañang, through Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro condemned the use of an AI-generated deepfake video featuring the President. “Anyone can see the difference between the Presidents speech pattern and the individual in the video. It is without a doubt a deepfake,” she said. Castro added, “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.”

The Palace reminded the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes using the President‘s image, warning that such crimes not only deceive citizens but also undermine trust in the administration’s efforts to uplift the nation.