By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has dismissed reports circulating on social media about alleged missing individuals in the province.
“There were social media posts alleging individuals [being] declared as missing,” the NOCPPO said in a statement.
“Upon our verification, these were not reported on our stations, and there were no blotter reports. Therefore, [they] are considered as false,” it added.
The NOCPPO said that despite these incidents not being on their records, the concerned police stations were directed to proceed to the last known addresses of these alleged individuals to gather data on their whereabouts and to obtain accurate information.
Among the alleged missing individuals was “Karen,” a 23-year-old woman from E.B. Magalona town’s Barangay Alicante, who was found to have voluntarily relocated.
“There is no blotter report on her being missing,” the NOCPPO said.
Similarly, 18-year-old “Faith,” allegedly missing on August 12, returned to her family on August 13, as no formal report on missing persons was filed.
In Bago City, a woman allegedly reported missing was confirmed to be in contact with her mother after being rescued by the Bago City Social Welfare Development, according to the Bago police.
Her exact location remains undisclosed for safety reasons, the provincial police said.
NOCPPO also dismissed reports about a van that allegedly targeted minors in La Castellana town and La Carlota City, based on verification from local police stations.
“There is no blotter report, and this is considered as false information,” the NOCPPO said.
‘Refrain from sharing unverified posts’
Meanwhile, NOCPPO chief, Colonel Rainerio de Chavez urged residents to avoid sharing unverified information on social media “as these may spread fear among the populace.”
“Get information from the authorities, such as the local police stations and their official social media accounts, the public information office of the local government units, and from known media outlets to avoid being misled,” De Chavez said.
He urges the public to report any suspicious criminal activities to the nearest police station.
The NOCPPO also reminded the public to be vigilant, to be aware and to remain calm.
“NOCPPO assures the public that the police are on alert 24 hours, seven days a week to secure the public. The stations are conducting checkpoints and have established Police Assistance Desks near the schools,” the statement read./JB, WDJ