DILG: Beware of fake kidnappings on FB

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday urged the public to be wary of fake news amid online posts about alleged kidnappings of civilians, especially children, for organ harvesting.

Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, spokesman for the DILG, said the people should not be alarmed about fake posts on kidnappings by men roaming the streets in white vans.

“But we should remain vigilant,” he said.

Malaya said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that the viral posts on Facebook about the supposed kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy in Bulacan was fake.

He said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered the PNP to run after the perpetrators of these fake news and file charges against them.

“There are people who post staged videos of kidnappings on social media to create fear among the public and to earn money,” Malaya said.

The PNP anti-cybercrime group said unscrupulous individuals capitalized on fake kidnappings to gain interactions from their Facebook followers for profit. 

“We want to remind the public that perpetrators of fake news earn money from your likes, shares and comments. You are unintentionally spreading fear without knowing it. Let us not embolden these people,” Malaya said.

According to the PNP, those who will be found spreading false information may face charges for violating Presidential Decree 90 or unlawful rumor mongering and illegal use of means of publication or unlawful utterances.