PNP can’t identify yet who tagged rallies, relief workers in social media post on terrorism

LAOAG CITY—The Philippine National Police (PNP) is still trying to identify those behind the social media post of the Batac City police station that contained “erroneous” information relating to the Anti-Terrorism Act, said officials.

Lt. Col. Randy Baoit, deputy director for operations of the Ilocos Norte police, on Wednesday (Jan. 27) said the chief of the Batac City police station was asked to explain the now deleted controversial post to know if he should be held administratively liable for it.

“As of now, we are waiting for guidance from higher authorities on how to proceed with the case,” Baoit told the Inquirer.

On Monday (Jan. 25), Col. Christopher Abrahano, Ilocos Norte police director, called for an emergency meeting among police station chiefs in Ilocos Norte, said Baoit.

Baoit said the police station chiefs were reminded to monitor the social media posts of their offices, and to properly disseminate information by citing the references of their posts on social media.

On Jan. 22, the police station posted on its official Facebook page some photos showing who are to be tagged as terrorists, as well as terrorist activities under the challenged Republic Act No. 11479 or the or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The police station, which immediately took down the post after being called out by netizens on Jan. 24, erroneously tagged relief donors and rally participants as terrorists.

TSB