I never imagined I’d become a target of the vile creatures lurking in the muddy waters of the Benguet political arena—those cowardly trolls who hide behind fake accounts and anonymous pages to spread lies, sow discord, and destroy reputations.
But here I am, speaking not as a distant observer but as a firsthand victim of their relentless campaign of libel, misinformation, and character assassination.
These trolls don’t confront you like decent people. No, they prefer the coward’s path, attacking from the safety of their screens, shielded by false identities and faceless profiles. They peddle their poison without accountability, spreading baseless rumors and concocted stories that threaten to ruin not only my name but the unity of the entire community. Their actions go beyond petty online drama; they cross the line into criminal libel, deliberately aiming to destroy credibility and incite hatred.
What hurts the most is how quickly their lies take root. Fake news made up by these trolls circulate like wildfire, causing confusion and division among friends, family, and neighbors. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the misinformation they spread twists facts, turning genuine intentions into scandalous accusations. It’s devastating, not just for me personally, but for the people of Benguet who deserve truthful, respectful political discourse instead of chaos.
The trolls’ cowardice is staggering. They have no courage to stand by their words openly. Instead, they revel in the anonymity of fake pages, attacking from the shadows while their victims suffer the consequences.
This cowardly behavior is a betrayal of the democratic spirit that Benguet’s political process should embody. It’s easier for them to tear others down than to build honest conversations or address real issues.
This toxic environment threatens to tear apart the very foundation of our close-knit communities. I’ve seen relationships strain under the weight of suspicions fueled by lies. Trolls thrive on this division, breeding mistrust and hostility where there should be solidarity.
Benguet’s rich cultural heritage and communal spirit are at risk, suffocated by the fog of deceit trolls spread. But beyond politics, trolls target voices like mine and many others who dare to speak out, using digital bullying to silence dissent and intimidate advocates for truth and progress.
The very freedom of expression that democracy depends on is under siege by these faceless bullies. Their hate speech and fearmongering create an atmosphere so toxic that even capable leaders hesitate to come forward, fearing they, too, will be dragged through the mud.
What frustrates me most is the lack of accountability as these trolls operate with impunity because our systems and social media platforms fail to hold them responsible. The anonymity the internet provides emboldens them, while legal processes move too slowly to protect victims. Without stronger enforcement and quicker action, these cowardly trolls will continue to destroy lives and poison Benguet’s political discourse.
I refuse to be silenced or intimidated. Benguet deserves better. Our leaders, our communities, and the platforms that enable these trolls must act. We need laws that protect against libel and misinformation, and demand transparency and accountability online. Social media companies must stop enabling these toxic behaviors by allowing fake accounts to flourish.
My experience has shown me the dark underbelly of Benguet’s political scene, but it has also strengthened my resolve. We must come together to stand up against these trolls who seek to divide us and undermine our future.
Only through courage and collective action can we reclaim our political discourse and protect the dignity of those who serve Benguet with honesty and integrity.
To every person who has been hurt by these cowardly attacks, know you’re not alone. Together, we can expose the trolls for what they truly are. We can restore Benguet’s voice to one of hope, respect, and genuine democracy.
