PNP steps up cyberpatrol vs fake news amid INC rally

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its cyberpatrol to monitor fabricated claims on social media in connection with the three-day rally of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) against corruption from November 16 to 18. 

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said some online content creators may take advantage of the event to agitate and encourage the people to violate the law.

“The presence of your PNP will not only in the assembly areas and on the roads, but also on cyberspace in order to run after those who would dare to take advantage of this situation to mislead the public through fake news and fabricated claims,” he said in a statement over the weekend.

“I already tasked our [Anti-Cybercrime Group] to monitor all of these and take the necessary legal action. We respect the freedom of speech and the freedom to air grievances but these does not include false claims and fake contents,” he added.

The PNP has detected several posts circulating on social platforms falsely claiming a supposed crowd build-up or imminent disorder in Mendiola. 

“May nakita po kaming ilang posts na nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon tungkol sa alleged crowd build-up. Our ground units have verified repeatedly that there is no such situation,” Nartatez said. 

(We have seen several posts spreading false information about an alleged crowd build-up.)

“We are monitoring accounts that have a history of spreading false alerts or mobilizing people based on unverified information,” he added. 

Nartatez noted that authorities will not interfere with posts of legitimate expression or dissent. 

The PNP acting chief called on the public to be responsible in sharing posts on social media to avoid misinformation and worsen unnecessary tensions. 

Anti-corruption rallies

The INC organized a three-day rally from November 16 to 18 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to call for accountability amid the anomalous flood control projects in the government. 

On the first day of the protest Sunday, the Manila Police District (MPD) said the crowd reached 650,000 people at 6 p.m.  Around 110,000 camped out overnight at the venue for the second day of the protest on Monday, according to the MPD.

Another group United People's Initiative (UPI) also staged a protest at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday. 

The crowd at the People Power Monument reached around 4,000 people at 7 p.m., according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News