NPD on warpath vs fake news

The Northern Police District (NPD) announced Sunday it will take a “proactive stance” against misinformation ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

NPD acting director Police Col. Josefino Ligan said that the NPD will strengthen partnerships with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor social media platforms and create a team to verify information and debunk false claims.  

“The spread of fake news is a serious offense that can have dire consequences, especially during elections,” Ligan said in a statement.

“We are committed to ensuring that the public has access to accurate and reliable information so they can make informed choices,” he added.

The NPD will also collaborate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and media organizations to create a network to counter false information.

Ligan said legal action will be pursued against individuals or groups found to be deliberately creating and spreading fake news intended to disrupt the electoral process.

The district will also conduct public awareness campaigns to promote critical thinking and responsible information sharing.  

NPD covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

The upcoming elections in the district are expected to be competitive, particularly in Caloocan, where former senator Antonio Trillanes IV is challenging incumbent Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan, and in Malabon, where reelectionist Mayor Jeannie Sandoval faces Congresswoman Jaye Lacson-Noel.

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