PRO-7 to public: Be responsible social media users, don’t spread fake news

Local

THE Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) has issued a strong reminder to the public to be vigilant and responsible in sharing information online, following the filing of cybercrime charges against two individuals for allegedly spreading fake news on social media.

Col. Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, spokesperson of PRO-7, said the spread of false information online has become rampant and damaging, leading to confusion, panic, and even economic losses.

She noted that what used to be mere gossip among small groups now becomes “perpetual” once shared online, highlighting the risks of turning unverified claims into public posts.

She warned that misinformation harms not just credibility but also endangers lives.

She also urged netizens to evaluate the accuracy of what they read, verify the source, and think critically before sharing anything on social media.

“Let’s just share the information that we’re sure is correct,” she said during the MyTV Cebu Openline News Media Forum on Tuesday, April 8.

Paraon-Bueno encouraged the public to get news from reputable media outlets and reminded them not to accept every post they encounter as the truth.

The warning comes after PRO-7 filed charges against two individuals from Cebu City and Imus, Cavite, who were accused of spreading edited videos that misrepresented a religious gathering during the Fiesta Señor as a political rally in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who was recently arrested.

According to PRO-7 chief, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, the manipulated content caused confusion among residents and falsely claimed that a protest was taking place in Mandaue City.

The content was widely circulated on Facebook and TikTok.

Maranan said the suspects, aged between 20 and 45, have been charged with violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The complaints were filed before the Cebu and Mandaue City Prosecutors’ Offices.

Although the suspects have not been arrested, authorities said the investigation involved tracing digital footprints in coordination with telecommunications companies and internet service providers.

Paraon-Bueno said the false posts triggered public anxiety, with some residents canceling appointments and rerouting trips due to fear of protest-related road closures.

She added that some businesses also reported financial losses as a result of the misinformation.

Maranan earlier reminded the public that spreading fake news is a punishable offense.

He reiterated the importance of relying on credible sources and reporting suspicious or misleading content to authorities.

The incident follows a recent arrest made by the National Bureau of Investigation of a vlogger based in Oslob town, who was accused of manipulating and disseminating false content aimed at discrediting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.(MyTVCebu)