‘Those who deliberately create or spread false information that causes public alarm may face appropriate legal consequences. Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and should never be used to mislead the public.’
DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation into the source of false reports of an alleged mass shooting at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, which triggered heightened security measures and the suspension of examinations and group-graded activities at the school on Thursday.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities were working to determine whether the report, which circulated through social media and group chats, was deliberately fabricated.
“We strongly condemn the irresponsible spread of fake news on social media that causes undue panic and confusion among students, parents, and the general public,” Nartatez said.
The Dasmariñas Component City Police Station (CCPS) said its Investigation Section immediately verified the report but found no factual basis for the alleged shooting.
Lt. Col. Mac Arthur S. Mercader, CCPS chief, said the report nevertheless prompted the university to heighten security and suspend examinations and group-graded activities on 1 Oct. as a precaution.
Faculty members were instructed to adjust their schedules and ensure that students would not be penalized for missing classes.
Police also clarified that the discovery of a deceased person inside a vehicle on 30 September at the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute compound in Barangay Burol Main was a separate incident and was not related to the shooting rumor.
DLSMHSI later confirmed that the deceased was one of its students and extended condolences to the family while asking the public to respect their privacy.
Police warned against social media posts that combine the two incidents or falsely identify the deceased as a victim of the alleged shooting.
Nartatez directed the Dasmariñas police to heighten cyberpatrols and maintain police visibility while working to identify those responsible for spreading the false report.
“Those who deliberately create or spread false information that causes public alarm may face appropriate legal consequences. Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and should never be used to mislead the public,” Nartatez said.
He urged the public to verify information before sharing it and rely on announcements from official and authorized sources.
The investigation is being conducted under a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., through DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to preserve public order and hold accountable those who deliberately spread false information that causes alarm and panic.
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