ZAMBOANGA CITY – April 23, 2025 — Former mayor and now vice mayoral candidate Beng Climaco has raised serious concerns over what she describes as a “coordinated campaign of online harassment and misinformation” targeting her political camp ahead of the upcoming local elections.
In a public statement posted on social media, Climaco called attention to the growing presence of troll farms, fake accounts, and the spread of disinformation aimed at discrediting her platform and distorting public discourse.
“Our team has observed a deliberate and coordinated campaign by the other camp using troll accounts and fake profiles to flood our social media posts with ‘haha’ reactions,” she revealed. “This tactic, though seemingly harmless on the surface, is designed to mock, belittle, and distort the message we share with our community.”
Climaco described the tactic as more than just online immaturity, calling it a form of “psychological warfare” that undermines honest engagement and legitimate discourse. She emphasized that the misuse of social media to mislead, ridicule, or harass candidates is a threat not only to her candidacy but to the democratic process itself.
“We believe in clean, honest, and respectful dialogue—both online and offline—especially during this campaign season in Zamboanga City,” she asserted. “While we focus on solutions, platforms of governance, and the sharing of verified information, others have resorted to mockery and manipulation. Let that speak for itself.”
As the city enters the heat of the campaign period, Climaco urged the public and her supporters to stay vigilant, report suspicious accounts, and rely only on verified sources of information.
“Truth will always prevail over trolling,” she added. “Junto junto kita proteje y salva con el Ciudad de Zamboanga.”
Her statement echoes a growing concern nationwide over the weaponization of digital platforms during elections. Analysts have warned that troll farms and disinformation networks—often anonymously operated—can manipulate public opinion, polarize communities, and derail fact-based political debates.
Climaco, who previously served as Zamboanga City mayor for three terms, is running for vice mayor with a platform centered on good governance, peace, and inclusive development. The current political atmosphere, however, suggests that candidates may be forced to defend not only their platforms but also the integrity of their online presence amid a wave of digital deception.