PSA probes fake news that caused crowding at nat'l ID registration in Bulacan

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will investigate the spread of false information which resulted in overcrowding during the registration for the national ID system in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

The registration was suspended on Wednesday after people swarmed the registration area at the Starmall, violating social distancing measures.

“This was caused by the spread of false information that it was the last day of registration for a particular barangay, and that cash grants will be provided after the bank account opening,” the PSA said in a statement.

“The PSA assures the public that a thorough investigation on the incident is being conducted in partnership with the local government,” it added.

At present, the PSA said the registration is still suspended.

Affected registrants will receive a message from the PSA regarding the suspension and its resumption.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience experienced by the scheduled registrants, and for the suspension of operations to manage the situation,” it said.

The PSA also explained that it implemented a three-step registration process to ensure the health protocols are being followed.

Meanwhile, it advised registrants to follow the appointment date as well as to look through the official website of Facebook page for advisories to prevent further incidents. —NB, GMA News