By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) slammed the individuals spreading “fake news” pertaining to the presence of kidnappers in the city.

BCPO spokesperson Lt. Colonel Sherlock Gabana said there is no truth in the messages and posts circulating on social media.

Gabana said the city’s police stations were ordered to investigate the reported alleged kidnappings in the city, and it later turned out that they were fake.

The city’s police force has also not received any complaints related to attempted abductions.

Upon reviewing the messages again closely, it was also discovered that the post and messages had been “recycled.”

The said messages also spread way back in 2017, with the cities in the messages being edited.

Gabana also advised the public to immediately report to their nearest police station if they see any suspicious persons or vehicles to prevent such incidents.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Leo Francisco also issued a stern warning yesterday morning against individuals who are concocting fake news on social media that could cause alarm to the public.

“We are warning whoever spreads fake news on social media will be liable for criminal offense. Pero kahit fake news ‘yan we have to investigate this,” Francisco said.

He also hinted that the persons who were behind the spreading of fake abduction information are now under police surveillance.
“Sa mga public, be careful lang kasi kahit fake news ito hindi natin pwede ibaliwala. Mag-ingat pa rin tayo at iwasan makipag-usap sa hindi kilala. Itong fake news ay kumalat na ‘yan sa mga previous years, paulit-ulit na ‘yan,” Francisco added./DGB, WDJ