PNP warns raps vs peddlers of fake news on kidnapping

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — Following reports of nine missing persons in Pasay City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned of possible charges against those who spread fake news on social media on alleged kidnappings only to cause panic to the public.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the cyber patrol team of the police Anti-Cybercrime Group can track sources of social media posts on fake abduction incidents.

“Maaaring makasuhan siya (violator) sa Anti-Cybercrime Act natin ng pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon. ‘Yan po ang ating paalala sa lahat, wag po agad magpasa-pasa ng impormasyon na hindi naman nanggaling sa otoridad,” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

(He can be charged for violation of the Anti-Cybercrime Act for spreading false information. We remind the public to not spread information that has not been verified with authorities.)

Should a family suspect that their relative has been abducted, they should report it to the police instead of posting it on social media, said Banac.

The Pasay City Police has created a task force to investigate the series of disappearances of nine people, composed of eight males and a female, whose ages range from 15 to 23, and went missing from November 20 to 22.

Banac said the police are still investigating the disappearances, and explained that the police have not concluded that these are cases of kidnapping pending further probe.

Edited by EDV

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