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Burning truck prank using AI angers responding firefighters

Philippines | Metro Manila

Burning truck prank using AI angers responding firefighters

By Patrick Garcia

The AI-generated photo of the alleged burning truck in Barangay 20, Manila. (Photo from Recto Fire Volunteers)

The AI-generated photo of the alleged burning truck in Barangay 20, Manila. (Photo from Recto Fire Volunteers)

Firefighters belonging to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Recto Engine Fire Volunteers expressed their disappointment over an AI-generated photo of a burning truck posted on social media on Thursday, Sept. 4.

According to Recto Volunteer Fire Chief Samuel Fenix, a follower on their social media page alerted them about the photo, prompting the firemen to quickly respond to the fire in Barangay 20.

Upon arrival, they found the truck not burning at all and learned that the photo was only AI-generated.

"Hinanap namin at nakita naman namin 'yung truck na buo naman. Ang AI akala mo parang totoo na talaga (We found the truck intact. The AI-generated photo looked really real)," Fenix said, adding that sending false information, most especially about fire incidents and other emergencies, is extremely dangerous.

"Siyempre, nagmamadali kami. Either na makasagi kami o ano. Siyempre, tumatakbo kami sa sunog. Tapos pagdating doon fake news pala. Mga ganon dapat mapanagot. Kasi hindi biro 'yung mga ginagawa nilang ganon (Of course, we're in a hurry. Either we hit a person or something because we're rushing toward the fire. But when we got there, it turns out to be fake news. Those people should be held accountable because what they're doing is not a joke)."

Authorities explained that under the 2008 Revised Fire Code of the Philippines, people identified to be spreading wrong or fake information regarding fire incidents may face a P50,000 fine. They may also face a complaint for unjust vexation under the Revised Penal Code.

Related Tags

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