CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Police Regional Office-Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia debunked on Monday, December 2, the alleged presence and operation of van-riding kidnappers in the region.
Sermonia's statement came after numerous posts regarding the alleged kidnappers onboard white vans and victimizing teenagers went viral on Facebook.
Sermonia said the Facebook posts are a "hoax," as there are no validated reports or complaints filed before the Central Luzon police regarding the incidents as of Monday, December 2.
"Wala pong katotohanan ang mga kumakalat na balita, partikular sa social media hinggil sa di-umano'y pagdukot sa mga kabataan maging dito sa ating rehiyon (There is no truth to the news circulating in social media about the alleged kidnapping of teenagers in our region)," he said.
But he said he directed all chiefs of police in the region to investigate the veracity of the reports in their respective areas.
He also urged the public to avoid falling prey to such unverified reports and refrain from sharing them on social media to prevent causing undue alarm to others.
He warned those who spread fake news on social media that they may face charges for violation of Presidential Decree90 or the Unlawful Rumor-Mongering and Spreading of False Information order.
"Sa halip, hinihingi ko po ang inyong suporta, at para sa mga magulang ay alamin natin ang kinaroroonan ng ating mga anak at kung sila ay aalis ng bahay ay dapat alam natin kung saan sila pupunta (Instead, I ask for your support and for parents to know where their children are and if they are going to leave the house, ask them where they will go)," Sermonia said.
He assured the public the regional and local police are on standby 24/7 to ensure the safety and security of the community from any forms of criminality.
Instead of becoming a tool for spreading false information, Sermonia asked the public to report to the nearest police station or through the police hotlines their concerns for proper validation or action.