The Eastern Police District (EPD) refuted claims by some netizens that a child kidnapping incident occurred in Marikina City on Nov. 10, EPD OIC Col. Villamor Tuliao said on Thursday, Nov. 14.
According to Tuliao, the Marikina City Police was alerted by a 911 call followed by a social media post of a concerned citizen saying that a white L300 panel van allegedly abducted a number of children in Barangay Sto. Niño.
This prompted Marikina City Police acting chief Col. Erwin Dayag to order an immediate police operation to investigate the incident together with the city government.
Upon arriving at the scene, police officers discovered that there was no kidnapping that occurred in the area. They have also interviewed the parents of the allegedly kidnapped children who said that the incident was merely made up.
"According to the interview with the involved minors assisted by their relatives, they were not abducted or kidnapped," the EPD said, adding that the children were instead invited by a religious group to attend a bible study and church activities and were safely returned to their respective homes.
“Some reports posted online were a reminder for the public's vigilance and awareness. We urge the public to stay alert and cautious about unverified news seen and read in cyberspaces to prevent undue and unnecessary fear and anxiety from spreading in our communities. Most of all, be responsible when using social media, especially when it concerns public safety, and those who breach the law will face appropriate consequences," Tuliao said.
"Moreover, EPD will ensure the conduct of further investigation on other related incidents posted in social media platforms," he added.