21 March 2025
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) Canada, refers to the suspension of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)’s Facebook pages, along with related accounts such as DZAR 1026 Sonshine Radio and SMNI Integrated News, as a necessary step in addressing the spread of disinformation and the persistent red-tagging of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders in the Philippines.
SMNI, owned by controversial doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, has consistently used its platform to attack individuals and organizations critical of the Duterte regime, spreading dangerous narratives that contribute to a climate of fear and repression. The removal of these pages for violating community standards, by promoting hatred, contempt, and harmful racial stereotypes, reflects the urgent need to counter online disinformation and safeguard democratic discourse.
This suspension also comes at a crucial moment, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former president Rodrigo Duterte. SMNI has played a direct role in enabling human rights abuses in the Philippines by discrediting human rights organizations and red-tagging individuals, actions that contribute to the broader culture of impunity fostered under Duterte’s administration.
ICHRP Canada itself has been a target of SMNI’s red-tagging, with the network previously attacking ICHRP Canada and its chair emeritus, Rev. Dr. Patricia Lisson. This blatant attempt to undermine human rights work and intimidate advocates underscores the importance of holding SMNI accountable for its role in spreading harmful narratives.
While social media platforms have an obligation to curb harmful content, Meta has also been widely criticized for unjustly taking down activists’ accounts and suppressing legitimate advocacy. ICHRP Canada believes SMNI was correctly suspended, but calls for greater transparency and consistency in platform policies to ensure that human rights defenders and independent media are protected rather than silenced.
ICHRP Canada stands in solidarity with Filipino journalists, human rights defenders, and rights organizations that have long been targeted by SMNI’s dangerous rhetoric. We urge social media companies, governments, and the international community to remain vigilant in countering disinformation and upholding press freedom.
We reaffirm our commitment to the Filipino people’s struggle for truth, justice, and accountability. The fight against disinformation is integral to the fight for human rights, and we will continue to support efforts that challenge oppression and amplify the voices of those advocating for a just and democratic Philippines.