BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office warned people against spreading false information, warning that they can be held liable for creating public alarm and tarnishing the city’s reputation.
CORONICA
Their warning came after an alleged abduction and rape incident involving a 25-year-old college student was shared online by one of her relatives.
Upon investigation, authorities confirmed the report was false.
Initial reports claimed that the woman was forced into a vehicle on San Juan St. here on the night of May 31.
Bacolod police director Police Col. Joeresty Coronica said that the story did not hold up under investigation.
Coronica said that no abduction or gang rape occurred, citing negative results from the medical examination on the supposed victim.
He said that the motive behind the claim could be related to personal issues.
Coronica said the case is now considered closed, especially since the family said they are no longer interested in pursuing the investigation.
He said that incidents like this damage the image of the city and reflect poorly on the police.
We are currently coordinating with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU) and our legal officer to determine the appropriate action to take,” he added.
“We want to give a lesson to those who fabricate stories.”
He stressed the importance of verifying facts before jumping to conclusions, warning the public not to view such false reports as indicative of the city’s overall peace and order situation.
“Let’s see how we can teach a lesson to those who cause panic and cast a negative image of the city by filing the appropriate charges,” Coronica said.