Cops warn 'fake news' peddlers on alleged disappearances, kidnap attempts in Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY - Following the alleged disappearance and kidnapping attempt circulating on social media, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) warned against peddlers of disinformation and misinformation.
"Spreading false information, unverified reports, and other forms of disinformation that may affect the public or cause fear to the public is punishable by law," the LPPO said in a statement.
It added that individuals caught peddling 'fake news' could be charged for violating Republic Act 10175 (Anti-Cybercrime Law).
The LPPO clarified that there were no reports or incidents recorded as alleged in a social media post that occurred in Sta. Fe, Leyte.
"Sta. Fe Municipal Police Station has been reaching out to the owner of the social media post who disseminated the alleged attempted kidnapping incident, for the individual to formally give information and shed light on the matter. However, as of this writing, the concerned individual failed to give information pertaining thereto."
The local police have strengthened its police presence including its mobile and foot patrol.
Meanwhile, the Tacloban City Police Station 1 said there is still no official police record of any of the said social media posts or any similar incidents of alleged abduction or missing individuals in Tacloban City.
They urged the families of the alleged abducted or missing persons to report to the nearest police stations.