PNP launches joint committees to focus on kidnapping, fake news

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established two specialized committees on anti-kidnapping and anti-fake news, which the police force said are “proactive responses to modern-day threats.”

The Joint Anti-Kidnapping Committee (JAKAC) will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country, in the wake of the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.

The JAKAC will be led by Deputy Chief PNP for Investigation Police Lieutenant General Edgar Alan Okubo, who has been lauded by PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil for the “decisive action” on the case.”

Three suspects are now in PNP custody, with police still looking for the mastermind behind the kidnapping and murder.

Meanwhile, the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) will be headed by Police Lieutenant General Robert Rodriguez, the Deputy Chief PNP for Operations, to address misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.

The JAFNAC is in response to incidents of unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent business circulating online. The committee aims to institutionalize coordination, monitoring, and response strategies to combat disinformation  across platforms.

“Fake news is not harmless—it can incite fear, panic, and even unrest. Under Bagong Pilipinas, we are taking a firm stand. WE will not allow deception to dictate the public narrative,” Marbil said.

“These committees are not just organizational measures— they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people,” he added. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News