The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ramping up its round-the-clock cyber patrolling as part of a broader push to curb the spread of fake news and other misleading content online.
In a statement, the PNP said it is tightening its monitoring and response systems to support the government’s stronger anti-misinformation drive, particularly on social media platforms where false claims can spread quickly. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force is prepared to provide both the technical capability and enforcement support needed to strengthen the campaign.
According to Nartatez, police cyber units are ready to connect their monitoring efforts with the Anti-Fake News Desk of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to speed up detection and response. He also directed police offices nationwide to maximize their official social media pages in correcting rumors and false reports circulating in their local communities.
The PNP said local units have likewise been instructed to work closely with community leaders and stakeholders to help prevent hoaxes from gaining traction at the grassroots level.
Nartatez stressed that the spread of fake and malicious information is more than just a communications problem, warning that it can affect public safety and may even have national security implications. He said the PNP remains committed to helping protect the public from harmful falsehoods in digital spaces.
The strengthened police response comes as the PCO forges closer ties with major newspaper organizations in a coordinated effort to fight misinformation and disinformation across both traditional and online media. The initiative seeks to improve the monitoring, checking, and verification of circulating reports so that the public receives more reliable information.
