Cops to file raps vs persons spreading info on false crimes in Davao

Map of Davao City and Southern Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – The regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) here has ordered an investigation and the filing of criminal cases against persons who, earlier this month, had posted false reports on social media that, according to the police, could threaten public order.

Police Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr., regional director of PRO 11, was referring to a series of posts on social media warning people about incidents of hold-ups, kidnapping and rape reportedly happening in particular areas of Davao City, Digos City, and Panabo City.

The posts went viral, causing people to panic and raising the concern of local officials, who earlier noted that the incidents were not reported to the police. Later, police found that those incidents did not happen.

Silo said he had ordered the investigation of those who posted the false reports on social media, causing undue panic among the public, and the possible filing of criminal complaints against those responsible.

Among those who will possibly be facing a criminal complaint is an 18-year-old individual who posted on social media a warning to people about robbery incidents that he said happened in certain areas of the city.

Charles Japheth Lagradante Luzada, a student, has sought an audience with the police over the weekend and had since issued an apology to the public and to Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

Investigators, however, said they were now preparing complaints for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which covered persons who by “means of printing, lithography, or any other means of publication shall publish or cause to be published as news any false news which may endanger the public order, or cause damage to the interest or credit of the state.”

Among the false incidents that went viral was the “abduction” of a young woman who eventually showed up before the mayor last week to deny the report, explaining that she just met someone in nearby Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The police also cited that anyone who would violate the law could face six months in jail and would have to pay a fine of P40,000 to P200,000, although the penalty could get higher based on the Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which raises the penalty to a degree higher for crimes that make use of information and communications technologies.

“Fake news spreading on social media is very alarming,” Silo said. “It has already caused panic and fear among the people. It also discredits the efforts of our police in maintaining peace and order. We hope that this will serve as a warning to the public to avoid spreading false information and posting fake news on any social media platform. We will also pursue and investigate any posts which may affect public safety and order,” Silo said in his post.

Duterte earlier chided those who were behind the social media posts, saying some people may want to discredit the peace and order of the city under his administration now that his father, former President Duterte, already stepped down from office.

Maj. Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the city police, urged the public to verify their sources before posting information on social media.

“We have the freedom to express ourselves but let’s be more responsible in posting information on social media to ensure that our posts would not cost any harm, especially on peace and order,” Gaspan said on Monday over the Davao City Disaster Radio.

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JPV