Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando announced on Sunday, August 25, that a social media post about incidents of kidnapping, holdup, and stabbing of students at the Capitol Mini Forest Park and gates of Bulacan State University (BSU) is "fake news."
Fernando said that since many Bulakenyos called him about the alleged alarming news, he immediately talked with Bulacan police officials who told him that it was hoax news.
"Mananatili po ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa lalawigan ng Bulacan partikular na sa buong bisinidad ng kapitolyo (Peace and order will remain in the province of Bulacan, particularly in the entire compound of the Provincial Capitol)," Fernando said.
"Tigilan na kung sino man kayo, makiiisa na lamang kayo sa pag-alaala sa National Heroes Day ngayong August 26. Alalahanin natin ang kanilang kabayanihan sa pakikipaglaban makamtan lamang mula sa mananakop ang kalayaan ng Pilipinas na ating tinatamasa ngayon (Stop whoever you are, just joined the commemoration of the National Heroes Day on August 26. Let us remember their heroism fighting to achieve the Philippine freedom we enjoy today)," Fernando added.
The Bulacan governor said he also talked with the Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office headed by Ret. Col. Rizalino A. Andaya and refuted the spreading news.
Andaya stressed that the news on social media is nonsense, it just aims to tarnish the peaceful and orderly image of the areas.
Andaya told the governor that no one came to their office to report such crime incidents. He said the watchmen and security guards assigned at the Capitol constantly moved around to ensure the safety of the Bulakenyos.
Last Friday, Bulakenyos were alarmed about a social media post that instill fear among netizens.
"I know some of you might plan to enjoy the long weekend. For your safety, I would like to spread awareness since dangerous people are close by. There are kidnappers with two vans colored green and white roaming around BSU (gates 2 and 4), well-known grocery stores, and Malolos overpasses. Today, an incident occurred at gate 4 in BSU. A student who just got out of dismissal was stabbed. Sadly, as we speak. It is said na she passed away na po. Another student also reported that she was being followed by a guy holding a weapon, she ran sa pinakamalapit ng guard at nilapitan niya (to the nearest guard)," the post read.
But all of these, according to the investigation conducted by the Bulacan police, were hoax. No such incidents were reported to the police headquarters even in barangays that covered the place.
Bulacan authorities said they are now looking for individuals or groups who own the social media account that spreads malicious acts that alarmed the Bulakenyo parents.