THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the proliferation of fake, misleading, and unverified crime reports circulating on social media across Metro Manila.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano urged citizens to exercise restraint before posting or forwarding online content, warning that unverified posts cause unnecessary panic and disrupt police operations.
Authorities highlighted that old incidents—particularly in major business districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City—are frequently recirculated out of context to make past, resolved events appear current.
“An old incident presented as a recent one is still misleading. We ask the public and social media users to check the date, source, and current status of an incident before sharing it,” PBGen. Abrahano said.
The police chief reminded netizens that spreading false information carries legal repercussions.
Unlawful publications can attract criminal liability under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, while offenses committed through digital platforms may fall under Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
In response, the NCRPO has directed its cyber units, alongside community affairs divisions, to intensify cyber patrolling.
These units are tasked with monitoring alarming posts, verifying suspicious details, and issuing prompt public clarifications.
The agency encourages internet users to follow a simple three-step guide: Stop before sharing, Verify through legitimate authorities, and Report suspicious content.
Officials stressed that safeguarding peace and order relies heavily on responsible digital citizenship.
