In a recent investigation by the BBC, it was revealed that the Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines, known for its reforestation efforts and supported by well-known climate activists, is facing a major disinformation campaign on social media. During our interview with Billie Dumaliang, a representative from the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, she expressed her concerns about the harmful effects of the misleading information circulating online.
“We’ve noticed an alarming increase in fabricated claims designed to undermine our mission as environmental defenders,” Dumaliang shared. The investigation uncovered nearly 100 fake Facebook accounts that were actively spreading false information about the reserve and its guardians. Remarkably, most of these accounts were taken down after the BBC contacted Meta, Facebook’s parent company.
Despite receiving international recognition and support from advocates like Greta Thunberg and Leonardo DiCaprio, the Masungi Georeserve continues to face threats from illegal logging, land encroachments, and mining activities. Dumaliang pointed out that local politicians and certain business interests are exerting pressure on the reserve, escalating tensions within the community.
When asked about the origins of this disinformation campaign, Dumaliang remarked, “It feels like we’re being ganged up on.” The environment department has suggested ending a reforestation contract with the reserve, a claim that the foundation disputes, further intensifying the conflict.
Regine Cabato, a Filipino journalist knowledgeable about the disinformation issue, provided insight into the larger context of violence against environmental defenders in the Philippines. “Online propaganda creates a climate of fear for those working in Masungi,” she noted, recalling the tragic incident in 2021 when two forest rangers were shot.
The BBC Verify investigation revealed a coordinated network behind the smear campaign, with accounts using profile pictures of celebrities and animals rather than real individuals. Many of these accounts appeared strikingly similar, created in rapid succession, and had minimal connections. The content they posted overwhelmingly criticized the Masungi Foundation, questioning its integrity and operations.
“This tactic is not new; we’ve seen it used against political figures and even private individuals,” Cabato stated. “There are significant resources and funding backing these disinformation efforts.”
As the Masungi Georeserve continues its crucial work in the fight against climate change, the resilience of its defenders is being tested—both online and offline.
