• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Local authorities in Negros Occidental have called netizens to stop spreading fake news, such as alleged kidnapping incidents and reported missing persons on social media, which caused alarm and creates unnecessary panic and fear.
After a thorough investigation and verification, PCol. Joeresty Coronica, officer in charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, said the BCPO found no substantial evidence to support alleged robbery and kidnapping attempts in various areas of Bacolod City.
In coordination with other law enforcement agencies, Coronica said the claims are “largely unsubstantiated, or based on misinformation.”
In a statement, P/Col. Rainerio de Chavez, provincial police director, also strongly disputed claims in social media, alleging several individuals declared as missing.
Upon verification with concerned police stations, De Chavez said there was no report of missing persons, being logged in the police blotter. Still, he ordered concerned police stations to gather data on alleged missing persons, as reported in social media.
A certain Karen, 23, of Barangay Alicante in E.B. Magalona, according to police investigations, left her residence to live in another place.
Alias Faith, 18, who was reported missing in social media on August 12, is now with her relatives in La Carlota City.
On the reported missing woman in Brgy. Maao, Bago City, the police reported that she was rescued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in close contact with her mother.
The police also dismissed as a hoax the text messages being spread in connection with a van, allegedly spotted in La Castellana and La Carlota City, that is targeting minors.
Both the BCPO and NOCPPO assured the public they are on alert 24 hours a day, to secure the public, as they have police personnel deployed in crime prone areas, established checkpoints, and Police Assistance Desks within the vicinity of schools.
Coronica and de Chavez called on Negrenses to remain calm, be vigilant in their surroundings, and stop the sharing of unverified information on social media.
Let us work together to maintain a safe and peaceful Bacolod City, by ensuring that the information we share is accurate and verified, Coronica, said in a statement issued by BCPO.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez urged everyone to stop spreading fake news, to avoid creating panic to the general public, stressing that it is counter-productive, and will just cause unnecessary harm to some people.
Benitez also called on parents to closely monitor their children, especially those in going to schools. At the same time, Benitez stressed the need for school authorities to give priority in securing their students.
“Inform us in the government if your schools need security personnel,” the mayor said, as he encouraged them to install CCTV systems as part of the security protocol to secure the students.*