Firefighters tricked by AI-generated photo of burning truck in Manila

Firefighters have responded to a reported burning truck in Parola, Manila but the photo sent to them turned out to be just AI-generated, GMA Integrated News’ Jhomer Apresto reported on Unang Balita Friday.

Four fire trucks, including those from the Bureau of Fire Protection, arrived at the location of the supposed fire incident Thursday morning. But the firefighters saw that the truck was actually unburned. 

"Hinanap namin at nakita naman namin 'yung truck na buo naman. Ang AI akala mo parang totoo na talaga,” Recto Volunteer fire chief  Samuel Fenix said.

(We searched and we found the truck intact. The AI-generated photo looked really real.)

“Ang follower namin, ang sabi sa kanya, sinend lang din sa kanya, na-alerto lang din siya,” he added.

(Our follower said it was just sent to them, they were just also alerted.)

Fenix said sending false information about a fire incident is 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,” he said.

(Of course, we are in a hurry. Either we hit someone or something. Of course, we are rushing to respond to a fire. But when we get there, it is just fake news. They should be held accountable. This is not a joke.)

Under the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, those who spread wrong information regarding fire incidents may face a P50,000 fine. They may also face a complaint for unjust vexation under the Revised Penal Code. 

Barangay 20 Chairman Anthony Igus said they have no information if the perpetrator of the AI-generated photo of a burning truck was their resident.

"Karamihan kasing ganyan sa insidente, 'yung mga nagkakalat parang anonymous,” Igus said.

(In most cases, those spreading the wrong information were anonymous.)

“Very alarming po 'yung nangyayari. Masama po 'yan. Baka mamaya mayroong nagkaroon ng insidente na ganyan, wala pong responde na bumbero dahil sa fake news na nangyayari na ganyan,” he added.

(What's happening is very alarming. That's terrible. Because of fake news like that, maybe no more firefighters will respond to a reported fire incident next time.) —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News