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MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) filed criminal complaints against a woman who reported a foiled kidnapping in Caloocan City that later turned out to be a hoax.
The NCRPO said that the woman identified as Samantha Pargad initially reported that a motorcycle rider tried to kidnap her on September 4.
Police said Pargad also claimed that the alleged kidnapper also introduced himself as a police officer.
However, investigators later learned that Pargad’s claims were all false based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and according to the statements of witnesses.
After conducting a thorough investigation along Alma Jose Street, Barangay 177 in Caloocan City, authorities learned from witnesses that Pargad and her alleged kidnapper knew each other.
READ: It’s a hoax, NCRPO says on alleged kidnapping in North Caloocan
For making false claims, Pargad is now facing complaints of unlawful means of publication and libel before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office, the NCRPO said.
The NCRPO warned the public that those spreading false information about any crime would be prosecuted.
“Time and again, we are giving stern and strict warning to those who are spreader(s) of fake news that if they are found to be responsible, the full force of the law will be accorded to them,” NCRPO chief Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo said in a statement Friday.
“Concerns of public safety or national security is our primordial concern, thus, NCRPO thoroughly conducts validation, fact check and investigate information we receive. We guarantee that fake news spreader(s) would have to face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
Estomo also urged the public to be careful before making social media posts.
He also vowed that the NCRPO enforces tight security measures in Metro Manila. —Lyka Farillon, INQUIRER.net intern