Meta has suspended the Facebook pages of SMNI News and its affiliated platforms, including DZAR 1026 Sonshine Radio and SMNI Integrated News, citing violations of its Community Standards. The decision, announced on Wednesday, March 19, follows allegations that these pages promoted content expressing hatred, contempt, and racial stereotypes.
SMNI, owned by controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy’s Sonshine Media Network International, has previously been flagged for spreading disinformation and red-tagging journalists and activists critical of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Quiboloy. The latest suspension comes just days after Duterte’s arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court.
Meta has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the suspension. Meanwhile, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa criticized the move, encouraging supporters to follow alternative pages where SMNI programs such as NewsBlast, Pulso ng Bayan, and Nightline News are still available.
This is not the first time SMNI News has faced restrictions on social media. In September 2023, its Facebook page became inaccessible after Meta removed Quiboloy’s page under its policy on Dangerous Organizations and Individuals. YouTube also banned Quiboloy’s channel in June 2023 due to U.S. sanctions over alleged human rights abuses, and later restricted and deleted DZAR 1026 Sonshine Radio’s channel in May 2024.
