No one was abducted here in Cebu, contrary to what had spread on social media that there was an attempt to kidnap a young student near a private school in Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022.

This was the statement of Police Lieutenant Zozimo Ravanes Jr., team leader of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group-Visayas. He urged netizens not to circulate the erroneous social media post by placing it on their Facebook wall or passing it to their relatives and friends via Messenger because it has caused parents to worry about their children, particularly those who returned to in-person classes Monday.

Ravanes said a crime must be reported first to authorities, including the police.

Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, deputy city director for operation of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), also confirmed that the alleged attempt to abduct an elementary school student in Sambag 2 was not true.

Personnel from the Abellana Police Station 2, which has jurisdiction over Sambag 2, conducted an investigation, and they learned that a wandering woman with a mental illness had suddenly grabbed the young student. The student believed that the woman would take her to a car parked on the side of the road, according to the investigators. The CCPO will conduct an investigation with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit in Central Visayas to find out the original source of the social media post about the erroneous story so that charges can be filed.

It’s correct not to post a false story on social media as it could affect netizens, particularly those living near the area where it happened. But there are some parents who share a false story that’s frightening in nature, especially if it involves a child. Yes, responsible parents must always be concerned about their children’s safety, but it does not give them the right to be irresponsible on social media.

The Sambag 2 “attempted abduction” could also be a call for the guardians: The communication line between children and parents must be consistent now that the School Year 2022-2023 is already in full swing.

However, the young student’s story showcases again how a distorted or untruthful narrative that is spread online can undermine a community’s collective peace of mind. The ugly side of social media surfaces again and again when it is used repeatedly by undiscerning, dubious individuals.