PNP intensifies cyber patrols, cites false posts amid INC assemblies

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday that it has intensified monitoring of social media amid the circulation of false posts linked to Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) three-day assemblies.

Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to identify and pursue individuals or groups posting misleading content that could provoke unrest or encourage violations of the law during the 16 to 18 November activities.

Police units have detected posts claiming an alleged crowd surge or impending disturbance in Mendiola. Ground checks confirmed no such developments, according to Nartatez.

He added that some accounts appear to be deliberately inflating the situation, and the Anti-Cybercrime Group is verifying possible coordinated activity, including bot-generated posts.

“Rest assured, we are taking proactive steps to disrupt these attempts,” Nartatez said.

The PNP is also monitoring accounts known for circulating unverified rally-related alerts. These efforts aim to detect disinformation patterns without interfering with lawful protest activity.

The INC earlier announced that its assemblies at Quirino Grandstand are open to both members and non-members. Authorities expect around 100,000 attendees in Manila, with additional demonstrations in other parts of Metro Manila. More than 16,000 police officers will be deployed to secure the protest sites.

Nartatez urged the public to verify information before sharing online to help prevent false claims from contributing to confusion or unnecessary tension.