The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dismissed circulating claims about the alleged abduction of high-profile business figures, clarifying that such reports are baseless and warning the public against spreading false information.
“There is no truth to these reports about the alleged kidnapping of business personalities. Such malicious disinformation will not be tolerated,” said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Saturday in an ABS-CBN News report. “Anyone proven to be spreading fake news will be dealt with accordingly.”
The PNP said they are now tracking down the sources behind the misleading narratives being shared on social media platforms. Authorities are also monitoring the situation closely to prevent the spread of panic.
The police force reiterated that spreading fake news is a criminal offense and violators will face legal action.
While the PNP has reported several kidnapping cases in recent months—some involving Chinese nationals—the recent abduction and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que brought renewed public attention to the issue. His body was found in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Earlier, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) raised concerns about the resurgence of kidnap-for-ransom cases in the country, warning that it could negatively impact the economy.
