PNP steps up cyberpatrol vs fake posts relating to 3-day rallies
The Philippine National Police (PNP) as stepped up monitoring social media in a bid to run after online content creators who are allegedly taking advantage of the three-day assemblies by posting and spreading fabricated claims intended to agitate and encourage the people to violate the law.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said he already instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to intensify cyber-patrolling especially during the three-day rallies that started on Sunday, Nov. 16.
“The presence of your Philippine National Police will not only in the assembly areas and on the roads, but also on cyberspace in order to run after those who would dare to take advantage of this situation to mislead the public through fake news and fabricated claims,” said Nartatez.
“While the PNP fully respect the freedom of speech and the freedom to air grievances, but those freedom have limitations and that include posting fake news and fabricated claims to mislead and misinform the public,” he added.
Police issued the statement after it monitored social media posts regarding an alleged gathering of a large number of people in Mendiola on Saturday, Nov. 15, with some posts insinuating that the people were ready to march to Malacañang.
The verification made on the ground revealed that the posts were fake.
Nartatez warned that certain online actors appear to be deliberately sowing tension ahead of the protest.
He also disclosed that the PNP is observing accounts with a pattern of spreading unverified rally-related alerts.
“We are monitoring accounts that have a history of spreading false alerts or mobilizing people based on unverified information,” said Nartatez.
Police are currently on highest security alert status nationwide for the three-day rallies—one at the Qurino Grandstand in Manila while the other one at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
To prevent misinformation from fueling unnecessary tensions, Nartatez appealed to the public to practice responsible sharing.