NCRPO warns public vs. fake news on crime incidents

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Wednesday warned the public against the proliferation of fake, misleading, and unverified information concerning alleged crime incidents in Metro Manila, particularly those being circulated through social media platforms.

NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano called on the public to exercise responsibility and restraint before posting, sharing, or forwarding information online.

“Social media is a powerful tool for informing the public, but it must be used responsibly. Do not immediately post or share information about alleged crimes unless it has been properly verified. An unverified post can cause unnecessary alarm, create fear and confusion, and even interfere with legitimate police operations,” Abrahano said.

The NCRPO chief stressed that the public should rely on verified information from legitimate authorities, particularly when dealing with reports of shootings, kidnappings, robberies, bomb threats, or other incidents that may cause panic.

The NCRPO noted that some incidents that occurred in the past, particularly in business districts such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City, are being recirculated or floated on social media making it appear that it happened only recently, despite these incidents having already been addressed and resolved.

Abrahano emphasized that reposting old incidents without the proper context can create the false impression and could potentially cause unnecessary fear and alarm among residents, workers, business establishments, and the commuting public.

“An old incident presented as a recent one is still misleading. We ask the public and social media users to check the date, source, and current status of an incident before sharing it. Let us not create unnecessary alarm by circulating information without context,” he said.

Abrahano also reminded the public that the irresponsible dissemination of false or malicious information may have legal consequences, depending on the nature, circumstances, and effects of the post.

Under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, certain unlawful publications and false news may be subject to criminal liability. Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, applies when offenses under the Revised Penal Code or special laws are committed through information and communications technology. The law also specifically recognizes libel committed through a computer system as a cybercrime offense.

“Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. We will respect the right of everyone to express their views, but this does not give anyone the license to deliberately spread false information that may endanger public safety, damage reputations, or cause unnecessary panic,” Abrahano said.

The NCRPO chief has ordered the NCRPO cyber units, together with the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) and the District Community Affairs and Development Divisions (DCADDs), to strengthen cyber patrolling and social media engagement.

They were directed to closely monitor online platforms for alarming posts concerning alleged crime incidents, immediately coordinate with concerned police units, and trace and verify suspicious or potentially panic-inducing information through appropriate lawful procedures.

The RCADD and DCADDs were likewise tasked to intensify public information and social media engagement by promptly providing verified information and clarifications whenever necessary, while encouraging the public to exercise caution in sharing unconfirmed reports.

“Our objective is not to restrict legitimate expression or responsible reporting. Our objective is to prevent misinformation from creating unnecessary fear and disrupting peace and order in our communities. We will act on alarming reports, verify them quickly, and provide the public with accurate information,” Abrahano said.