By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya urged the public to remain vigilant against fake and misleading social media posts claiming widespread flooding in Bacolod City amid the effects of Tropical Storm “Basyang,” stressing that unverified information endangers public safety.

In a statement, Gasataya expressed concern over online content showing alleged flooding in several parts of the city, noting that these claims do not reflect the actual situation on the ground.

“It is sad and disappointing that, in the middle of a calamity, some choose to exploit the situation for views, likes and content monetization at the expense of truth and public safety,” the mayor said.

Gasataya clarified that the city government, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other concerned agencies, is closely monitoring weather conditions and issuing updates based solely on verified and validated reports.

He warned that the spread of unconfirmed information during disasters is irresponsible and dangerous, as it can create unnecessary panic, disrupt emergency response operations, and place lives and property at risk.

The mayor reiterated his call for residents to rely only on official advisories from the city government and authorized agencies, particularly during severe weather events.

“In times of disaster, truth saves lives. Let us act responsibly and verify before we share,” Gasataya emphasized.

He also cautioned the public against circulating false information regarding class suspensions due to inclement weather, noting that such decisions are handled with utmost care.

Gasataya said the city government has been probing reported cases of fake announcements related to class suspensions./CJ, WDJ