DAVAO CITY (PIA)—The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) advised the public not to post or spread unverified news on social media as it may cause unnecessary panic, disrupt peace and order, and divert police resources from addressing legitimate concerns.
This after DCPO acting director P/Col. Hansel Marantan directed Police Station 5 Buhangin to conduct a thorough investigation a social media post of a certain Ayka Movilla who narrated an alleged suspicious event involving a black van in Purok 8, Barangay Communal, Buhangin, Davao City, on January 26, 2025.
In the Facebook post, the individual standing at a roadside while waiting for her sister board a tricycle reported that a mysterious black van with no plate number stopped in front of her sister and opened its door. When the driver of the van looked at the other side of the road he could see persons including the individual who posted the alleged incident watching. Seeing the people and the cars passing, the van quickly left.
In another post the same individual claimed they heard a female voice calling for help near the residence and upon checking no one was found.
The police in coordination with barangay officials conducted a thorough investigation. They found out that there was no suspicious or criminal activity that was observed and no evidence indicating a forcible abduction. Also in regards to a female voice’s cry for help, there was no reports of a missing person or abduction in that area.
In a statement, the DCPO urges the public to strongly urges the public to report suspicious incidents directly to the nearest police station for proper verification and action.
Aside from creating panic and fear, posting fake news also comes with legal consequences.
These acts can be covered under Article 154, Paragraph 1 of the Revised Penal Code (as amended by RA 10951) which puts criminal liability on any person who causes alarm, danger, or disturbance to public order by publishing false information. They can also be prosecuted under Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) if the false information is spread through social media or other online platforms.
“The Davao City Police Office remains committed to keeping our city peaceful and secure. We will take decisive action against individuals who spread false information and disrupt the peace and harmony of our community,” P/Col. Marantan said in a statement. (PIA/RGA)
