Leaked internal documents from InfinitUs Marketing Solutions reveal operations using fake social media accounts to shift Filipinos' negative views on China. This occurs amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The Chinese embassy has not yet responded to the allegations.
In April 2025, former senator Francis Tolentino accused the Chinese embassy in the Philippines of hiring local marketing firm InfinitUs to spread pro-China propaganda. He presented evidence including a service agreement contract, a check from the Chinese government, and photos of employees at an embassy event.
InfinitUs denied the allegations, claiming the contract was forged but confirming the check was real and legal. Myka Basco-Poynton, the marketing director, stated: “InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. stands firm in its commitment to truth and integrity... we categorically refute the baseless claims.”
According to the documents, the operation cost P3.7 million and involved 11 operatives managing 300 Facebook accounts and 30 X accounts. Each operative maintained at least 20 fake personas, such as a teacher, student, and construction worker, using distorted photos and legitimate cell numbers to evade AI and Facebook detection.
Operatives were required to produce 700 to 1,000 comments and shares monthly, monitoring anti-China posts. Scripts targeted critics like Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the Marcos administration, and Japan, while praising China and President Xi Jinping.
Experts like Philip Fortuno describe this as 'cognitive warfare' aimed at eroding public trust in the government. Anonymous national security expert Marco said: “The grand design is to weaken public support and increase public acceptance of China’s view of things.” This is not the first instance; Rappler previously reported similar operations in 2018, 2020, and 2023.
These reveal hybrid warfare employing Filipinos as 'keyboard warriors' against their own democracy, amid West Philippine Sea tensions.