CITY OF MALOLOS — In response to the alarming rise of alleged missing persons posted online, Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, along with some local chief executives headed by Bocaue Mayor and LMP Bulacan Chapter President Eduardo J. Villanueva Jr., has convened and discussed the peace, order, and security situation in the province at the Mighty King Chinese Restaurant in Guiguinto, Bulacan recently.
Fernando’s attention was caught by the national police’s call on netizens to stop spreading fake news on social media such as kidnapping incidents, saying that the rampant increase of cases circulating online is causing unnecessary panic and fear not only to Bulakenyos but to all the Filipinos.
“Hindi lamang po sa Bulacan nagaganap ang nasabing pagkalat ng fake news online. May mga napaulat din po sa Pasay, Las Pinas, Rizal, at marami pang iba at matagal na ring nagaganap ang mga ganitong uri ng disinformation at misinformation,” the governor said.
He also shared as an example the latest case of alleged robbery and kidnapping in the City of Bacolod, wherein after a thorough investigation and verification of the police, no substantial evidence was found to support the claims posted on Facebook.
Moreover, Fernando emphasized the importance of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) involvement in this kind of incidents, adding that their role is crucial as they have the authority to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and issue alerts, including the usage of social media in seeking the public’s help.
He also advised the public to file a report first to the nearest police station in case of kidnapping incident or when such a case begins to circulate online in order for the police to conduct investigation and verify the validity of the report.
“Ang ating mga police officers are trained to follow protocols and in conducting searches and gathering evidence. Sila ay aaksiyon agad. Kaya hindi maiiwasang magduda na araw-araw na lang may naki-kidnap, may nawawala, may kinuha ng van pero sa police blotter, wala naman,” Fernando further explained.
Meanwhile, Villanueva also pointed out that since the alarming posts on social media broke out, their local police have been receiving requests from convenience store owners if they can set up a checkpoint near their establishment or guard their area because they fear for their safety as well as their customer’s. This however becomes additional extra work for the police thus prompted the municipal government to issue a new ordinance which mandates the store owners to have their own security personnel.
“Naglabas po kami ng ordinance na nag-oobliga po sa mga convenience stores na kumuha ng sariling mga security guard, kasi po nakita namin na kadalasan ang kapulisan pa ang nagbabantay sa kanila na hindi naman na nila trabaho,” he said.
Bulacan-PNP Provincial Director PCol. Satur L. Ediong also participated in the meeting and requested additional motorcycles from Fernando which will be used for patrolling in the province and quick response to accidents and other crime-related incidents. (UnliNews Online)
