Reymund Titong
KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has dismissed social media posts alleging multiple kidnapping and robbery attempts across the city, which have generated widespread fear and concern among residents.
BCPO officer in charge Colonel Joeresty Coronica, said on Friday, August 16, that after a thorough investigation, they found no substantial evidence supporting the allegations circulating online.
“Our investigations with relevant authorities have revealed that these reports are largely unsubstantiated or based on misinformation,” he said.
The clarification came after social media was flooded with alarming posts about alleged criminal activities, which quickly spread across Bacolod, affecting the wider Negros Occidental province.
In response to the growing panic, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez urged residents to refrain from spreading false or unverified information, emphasizing that such actions only exacerbate fear and are counterproductive.
The Bago City College (BCC) administration also addressed a separate false claim involving an alleged attempted abduction of students by individuals in a van on August 15. BCC confirmed on the same day that the Facebook post about the incident was false and labeled it “fake news.”
The false abduction claim also came after the tragic case of Pearl Joy Galve, a senior high school student from Sum-ag National High School. She was found dead in a sugarcane field in La Carlota City on Wednesday, August 14.
Galve, who had been missing since July 29, 2024, had been the subject of an extensive search before her body was discovered. The investigation into her death, including the possible suspect(s), is ongoing.
Benitez has instructed the BCPO to strengthen their presence in public spaces, particularly as the new school year begins. He emphasized the potential risk that this period could pose, as it may attract individuals with ill intentions seeking to exploit the increased activity in public areas in the city.
Coronica has called on the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities directly to the nearest police station.
“We encourage everyone to provide us with accurate information so we can respond swiftly and appropriately to any genuine threats,” he said.*
