The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to exercise caution regarding photos and videos shared online, warning that recycled, altered, or fabricated content is being deliberately used to mislead citizens.
The caution comes as flood control remains a contentious topic nationwide, fueled by allegations that high-ranking officials have exploited public works projects for personal gain. Law enforcement authorities noted that manipulative visuals are being weaponized to inflame public anger against targeted individuals.
La Union 1st District Representative and Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V cited instances where misleading images and video clips were circulated to falsely portray widespread, severe flooding in his province.
In response, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged social media users to verify information before sharing, stressing that spreading outdated or altered footage creates unnecessary panic in communities already vulnerable to heavy rains.
“A number of kababayan need assistance and accurate information as a result of this calamity. This should be the time for compassion and bayanihan, not the time for any motive driven anger or any selfish interest,” Nartatez stated.
“Let us be discerning and cautious. Not everything we see online is true,” he added.
The advisory was issued as southwest monsoon (habagat) rains inundated portions of Metro Manila and various Luzon provinces, leading to class suspensions and government office closures.
Nartatez warned that fake weather reports undermine disaster response efforts by confusing local residents and obscuring legitimate safety advisories.
He advised citizens to monitor verified updates from official government agencies rather than unverified social media posts.