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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 'Think before you click': Mayor WES reminds residents not to post, share unverified photos and videos

'Think before you click': Mayor WES reminds residents not to post, share unverified photos and videos

Published Feb 6, 2025 03:42 am

Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian reminded the public on Thursday, Feb. 6, to refrain from posting or sharing unverified photos and videos that could cause unnecessary fear and alarm among residents.

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Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian confronts the individuals who posted the unverified videos of an alleged attempted kidnapping. (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)

 

Gatchalian confronted the individuals on Tuesday, Feb. 4, who had posted unverified videos alleging attempted kidnappings in the city.

According to the city's Public Information Office, the videos, which went viral on social media on Jan. 28 and Feb. 2, claimed that a "black van" was involved in a series of kidnapping incidents in Valenzuela.

 

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Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)

 

Gatchalian immediately ordered the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) led by Col. Nixon Cayaban to conduct an investigation.

The investigation later confirmed that the alleged incidents in the videos did not take place in Valenzuela.

The individuals had merely taken the footage from unverified sources and reposted it on their social media accounts.

"Akin pong pinapaalalahanan ang publiko na huwag mag-post o mag-share kung unverified ang video o litrato (I remind the public not to post or share videos or photos if they are unverified),” Gatchalian said.

“Kung kayo ay may ulat ukol sa kahina-hinalang aktibidad, maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa pinaka-malapit na police station o sa Valenzuela City Police Main Station sa 8352-4000 (If you have reports about suspicious activities, you may coordinate with the nearest police station or contact the Valenzuela City Police Main Station at 8352-4000),” he added.

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Valenzuela City Police Chief Col. Nixon Cayaban (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)

 

 

Cayaban stated that the individuals responsible for spreading the false information will face charges under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code for the “unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances,” in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The mayor assured residents that the local police force remains committed to maintaining peace, order, and round-the-clock security in the city.

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