LAST THURSDAY, we were alarmed by reports of students being kidnapped in Los Amigos, Davao City. Thankfully, this turned out to be false, but it highlighted the serious consequences of spreading misinformation.
While the students were safe, the panic and wasted resources caused by the viral post show how crucial responsible social media use is.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) warned that spreading false information is illegal and should be taken seriously. It’s easy to click “share” without thinking, but in today’s connected world, a single click can spread quickly and cause significant harm to the community.
In this case, a false story of student abductions caused fear and anxiety, especially since rumors of a “white van” kidnapping children were already circulating. Police resources, needed for real emergencies, were diverted to investigate the fake claim. Those who think online posts can be easily deleted and cause no harm are wrong. Posting unverified information is not just inconvenient; it can endanger public safety. Every minute police spend on a false report is a minute lost that could be used for genuine threats.
DCPO’s acting director, Col. Hansel Marantan, stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing. Relying on unverified sources, especially on social media, is risky. Rumors and speculation can quickly spread, fueled by social media algorithms. Before sharing, ask: Where did this information come from? Is the source reliable? Is there proof to support the claim? A few moments of critical thinking can prevent a lot of problems.
With the upcoming mid-term elections, this incident is a reminder that posting false information about candidates has serious consequences. Laws like cyber libel, which have harsher penalties than traditional libel, exist to address misinformation. Spreading false information is not only irresponsible; it’s illegal. Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, provide legal action against those who spread harmful information online. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
We all have a responsibility to ensure the information we share is accurate and true.
