The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have confirmed through forensic analysis that the man seen using drugs in a viral video circulating on social media is not President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During a press conference, NBI officials presented comparative photos of Marcos’ right ear and the ear of the man in the video. Dr. Reuel Cruz from the NBI Medico-Legal division explained that the distinct features of the president’s ear, such as the larger intertragal notch and a more pronounced antitragus sphere, were not present in the video.
“From the video spectral analysis, we can see that the intertragal notch here is embossed,” Dr. Cruz said, pointing to the original photo of Marcos. “Compared to this, which is not that embossed.” He concluded, “So it means that this picture is definitely not the same.”
Further, Dr. Cruz emphasized that the unique features of an individual’s ear can serve as reliable identifiers, with significant differences observed between the president’s ear and that of the person in the video.
NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc explained that the photos were examined using a video spectral comparator (VSC), an advanced forensic tool for image authentication. The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group Director Brigadier General Ronnie Cariaga supported the NBI’s findings, citing discrepancies in facial features such as the shape of the eyes, nose, and sideburns.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos affirmed, “Definitely, that is not the president.”
NBI Director Jaime Santiago attributed the video’s creation to “disgruntled individuals” who underestimated the intelligence of the Filipino public. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres labeled the video as a “malicious misrepresentation,” noting that it was unclear whether it was generated by AI or involved an actual person.
Andres also mentioned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has substantial leads on the perpetrators behind the video and is investigating whether those who shared the video might be held accountable for cybercrime.
The Department of National Defense has called on U.S. authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice for this “disgusting act.”