The public Safety and Security Command Center warned the public against believing rumors about white vans roaming around to abduct kids and teens.
Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) assured that there is no truth to the rumors.
Rumors about missing kids and teenagers have been spreading around on social media these recent weeks. People were alarmed about an alleged organ trafficking syndicate that is responsible for all the abductions. According to the rumors, members of the syndicate go around on white unmarked vans.
“Social media is uncontrollable. It is fast to reach everyone with social media. But in the city’s case, it is a false statement to say that we have those kind of occurrences,” he said on Thursday’s iSpeak media forum at City Hall conference room.
He said there is no single case of a missing person in the city. They also have CCTVs all around the city, which help deter and solve crimes. Meanwhile, the city is on a lockdown since the Pasko Fiesta started last month.
“We are in the third level security, and we will be maintaining it,” he said. “We have conducted meetings every time for any cases of crimes.
Fortunately, we have no cases of major crimes such as missing people.”
Sumagaysay also stressed that the security and public safety units are on full alert.
The safety officer also urged the public to be responsible in posting anything in social media, as they can cause undue panic. “Everybody should be responsible. Stop spreading false information. As for the security of the city, we will be updating you from time to time,” he said.
Earlier, a student in Visayas was arrested for allegedly spreading the false rumor about being almost a victim of abduction. The 21-year-old was identified as Brigs Granada Alvaro, a resident of Sitio Taboc, Barangay Lo-oc, Danao City. Police filed a case for alarm and scandal against the suspect.
