(PHOTO: DOST-PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE)
State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, July 22, dismissed as “fake news” viral claims that six tropical cyclones will enter the country this week.
Recently, posts went viral online claiming six storms were expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week, with class suspensions allegedly declared in advance.
In a statement, the agency urged the public to verify updates only through official channels.
“HINDI TOTOO ang kumakalat na impormasyon na may anim na bagyo na papasok sa Pilipinas ngayong Linggo. Maling impormasyon din ang suspensyon ng klase na iniuugnay dito (It is not true that six storms will enter the country this Sunday. The class suspension linked to this is also false),” PAGASA stressed.
The bureau called on the public to always check information directly from official sources to avoid confusion and panic.
“Ugaliing i-VERIFY ang impormasyon mula sa official website at verified social media pages ng DOST-PAGASA at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno (Make it a habit to verify information from the official website and verified social media pages of DOST-PAGASA and other government agencies),” it added.
The agency reminded the public that spreading false weather reports can lead to unnecessary fear and misinformation, especially during typhoon season.