PNP debunks rumors of high-profile business kidnappings

The Philippine National Police (PNP) at the weekend debunked reports going around about the alleged kidnapping of business personalities, advising that spreading false information is a criminal offence.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil denied the reports, stating, “There is no truth to these reports about the alleged kidnapping of business personalities. Such malicious disinformation will not be tolerated. Anyone proven to be spreading fake news will be dealt with accordingly.”

The authorities are also actively tracking where the disinformation has been coming from online. In a statement, the PNP said, “Authorities are closely monitoring the spread of these false narratives and are now taking steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible for creating and sharing these misleading stories.”

PNP Warns Against Fake News Amid Rising Kidnappings

PNP also reminded the public that the dissemination of false information is a criminal act with legal consequences.

Despite all these denials, the PNP has chronicled several kidnappings in the last few months, some with victims who were Chinese nationals. The most recent one was when the nation was shocked by the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que whose lifeless body was found in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, a government-friendly advocacy group, previously warned that the rising incidents of kidnap-for-ransom in the Philippines may damage the country’s economy.

Image: PNP/Facebook