Manila gov’t alerts public on fake reports about robbery, street dwellers

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Manila warned the public on fake reports being circulated on social media about robbery incidents in Binondo and blocking of street dwellers in San Andres, both in Manila.

In a press conference, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said a report regarding the hold-up incidents victimizing those from the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo is fake news, noting that the police did not receive any reports on such criminal activity.

“May kumakalat sa social media na may holdapan nagaganap sa Binondo at natatakot ang kababayan nating Filipino Chinese,” he said.

(There are reports on social media about the hold-up incidents happening in Binondo and it is causing fear among those in the Filipino-Chinese community.)

“Una, fake news. As far as [Manila Police District] Station 11 is concerned and MPD [Special Mayor’s Reaction Team], walang report na holdapan na Fil-Chinese,” he added.

(First, it’s fake news. As far as MPD Station 11 is concerned, and MPD SMaRT, there are no reports of hold-up incident against Fil-Chinese.)

He, however, said they received reports of a 14-year-old snatcher in Binondo, who was immediately apprehended by police officers.

Another viral report of street dwellers being blocked along San Andres in Manila is also fake, Moreno said.

“Meron daw kumakalat sa social media na may nanghaharang na street dwellers sa San Andres corner Taft Avenue,” Moreno said.

(There are reports in social media that street dwellers are being blocked in San Andres street corner Taft Avenue.)

“Imposible rin po. Merong checkpoint ang MPD dun…. Wala rin pong katotohanan,” he added.

(That is impossible. The MPD has a checkpoint in that area. There is no truth to that.)

He also reminded the public to verify first the sources of the erroneous information especially during the time that they have their hands full regarding the threat of coronavirus disease in the country.

Edited by JPV