FACT CHECK: AI image falsely shows Army division backing Bato dela Rosa

The 10th Infantry Division has warned the public on AI-generated disinformation and manipulated content, emphasizing that official statements are communicated only through authorized channels

AT A GLANCE

• A graphic claiming to show the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army supporting Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa was found to be AI-generated and false.
• The 10ID confirmed its political neutrality and commitment to professionalism, stating that the image misrepresents its personnel and is a form of disinformation.
• Dela Rosa is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court and is believed to be hiding in Mindanao, with a reward offered for information leading to his arrest.

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Claim: A photo shows the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army expressing support for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: In the Facebook group “1st Infantry Tabak Division Philippine Army,” which has 22,900 members, the account “Regis Paller Enrique” posted a graphic allegedly showing personnel of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) holding a banner with the text: “We support Senator Bato dela Rosa.”

The post has since been deleted, but the same graphic was reposted by at least five Facebook accounts in different groups, such as “The Best Ka Inday Sara,” “Rodante Marcoleta CDO Supporters” and “MAGSASAKA.” Membership in these groups ranges between 144,100 and 470,200. 

The facts: In a statement on October 30, the 10ID said that the circulating graphic is AI-generated. The 10ID asserted that it does not subscribe to any political affiliation or preference. 

The division wrote in its caption: “The 10ID upholds its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality, and service to the Filipino people, without political affiliation or preference. The Division stands firmly against disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence to misrepresent its personnel, emphasizing that its official positions and statements are communicated only through authorized channels.”

AI detection tools Sightengine and Hive Moderation flagged the circulating image as 99% likely to be AI-generated. 

Bato in hiding: The AI-generated photo falsely attributed to the 10ID, which is headquartered in Davao de Oro, emerged after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it believes the senator is hiding in Mindanao under the protection of a “powerful armed group.” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, however, did not identify the alleged armed group.

Dela Rosa has a pending warrant of arrest issued by the ICC for his alleged role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign. Since the shooting incident at the Senate last May 13, Dela Rosa has not been seen in public.

On October 23, Remulla said in a press conference that his department will offer a P50-million reward for those who can provide information that could lead to Dela Rosa’s arrest.

On November 9, the Philippine National Police said it received around 500 pieces of information on the senator’s possible whereabouts.

Previous fact-checks: Rappler has previously fact-checked claims involving Dela Rosa: 

• FACT CHECK: ‘Shoot-to-kill’ Bato dela Rosa warning by Lordan Suan is fake
• FACT CHECK: No, Marcos can’t be arrested for P50-M bounty on Dela Rosa
• FACT CHECK: No basis for claim that Bato Dela Rosa is under Trump’s protection
• FACT CHECK: Bato dela Rosa not yet arrested; online posts misuse old video
• FACT CHECK: Bato dela Rosa not at recent INC rallies; post uses January 2025 video

– Jade Florido/Rappler.com

Jade Florido is a volunteer for Rappler’s Research and Data unit. She is a third-year Development Studies student at the University of the Philippines – Manila.

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