Clarita Carlos seeks NBI help over allegedly false social media posts

MANILA (UPDATED) — Former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos has sought National Bureau of Investigation assistance over statements allegedly posted on social media by Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela and Philippine Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico.

Carlos said she approached NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Friday to seek the agency’s assistance and to ask that Tarriela and Logico be called in to explain their statements.

Carlos said the matter stemmed from a Facebook post, which she described as satire and where she commented on calls to boycott products made in China.

She said her remarks were misinterpreted and taken out of context. 

Tarriela said in a social media post that he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint and will withhold comment until then.

“What I can say is that the public has been fully aware of what former Professor Clarita Carlos has said and posted on social media recently,” he said.

Carlos also disputed a social media comment attributed to Logico saying he had walked out of one of her lectures at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

She maintained that the allegation was untrue and that nobody had walked out on her in 60 years of teaching.

“I want them to explain to the NBI what their reason is. Why did they do what they did?” Carlos said.

Carlos said she had completed and signed a complaint form after being referred to the NBI’s cybercrime division.

She acknowledged that she was unsure of the exact legal classification of her complaint and said it would be up to the agency to determine the appropriate action.

Carlos stressed that the issue concerns her reputation, which she said could be damaged by statements she considers unfounded.