VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — In what appears to be another trivial hoax to sow fear and panic, the provincial government called on local folks to verify sources of information posted on social media.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) particularly hinted at the social media posts, which had photos and videos showing “typhoon Julian-induced flooding in various areas of Ilocos Sur.
In an interview, PDRRM Officer Rhon Arquelada admitted having received queries on the supposed flooding in the province.
He, however, clarified that the supposed social media posts were fake, even as he claimed that the weather announcements, photos, and videos in the social media were all outdated.
Mga issues na na-encounter namin ngayon ay itong fake news. Marami online. Nagre-recycle sila ng video o photo noong nakaraang bagyo saka nila pino-post ngayon online. Parang sa Candon City na ang sabi ay binabaha raw, pinabulaanan namin ito na hindi binabaha ang Candon sa kasalukuyan,” Arquelada said.
(The issues we encountered were mostly fake news online. There are many instances of recycled videos or photos from previous typhoons being posted online as current, such as in Candon City, where it was falsely claimed to be flooded. We clarified that Candon is not currently experiencing flooding.)
“Plus sa bayan ng Santa, nag-force evacuation sila kasi narinig nila na magbababa raw ng tubig ang dam sa Abra, pero ang totoo ay wala namang dam sa Abra. Nag-panic sila dahil sa fake news. Maraming ‘at the moment’ photos and videos na naka-post online, pero upon verification sa mga city at municipal DRRM officers, ay hindi naman totoo,” Arquelada added.
(In the town of Santa, residents evacuated because of the false information about water being released from a dam in Abra. The truth however is that there is no dam in Abra. This fake news caused public panic. Numerous photos and videos are being shared online, but after verification with the city and municipal DRRM officers, they have been confirmed to be false.)
On Monday evening, the local government of Vigan disowned the social media post and denied issuing work cancellations, which supposedly came from the city government‘s official social media page.
The city government clarified that only classes were suspended via Executive Order No. 26, series of 2024, issued by Governor Jeremias Singson on Sept. 30.
“We are aware that some individuals are misusing our official template to spread misinformation. Please rely only on our official channels for accurate updates. Let’s work together to combat misinformation!” the city government stated in its online post.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over Ilocos Sur since Sept. 28, and TCWS Signal No. 2 was raised over the northern and central areas of the province on Sept. 30.
Arquelada added that Typhoon Julian affected 1,486 families, comprising 5,563 individuals from 36 barangays.
According to the situational report from the PDRRMO issued at 8:00 Tuesday morning, 20 roads were initially deemed impassable, half of which have since been cleared.
Provincial data showed that only eight houses were affected given partial damages after a tornado struck Santa Catalina town. Strong winds also inflicted minor damages to a residential structure in Suyo town.
PDRRMO is still verifying a reported casualty in Magsingal. (MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
