THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling for a united government effort to stop fake news and misinformation from spreading, particularly during emergencies when false reports can quickly trigger panic and confusion.
DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communication Ronaldo C. Puno said government agencies, the media and the public must work together to ensure that accurate and verified information reaches the people during crisis situations.
“We really need a concerted effort to quash fake news,” Puno said during the Kapihan sa Manila at the Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila.
He cited the recent school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University as an example of how quickly unverified information can spread during a tense situation.
Shortly after the incident, videos claiming to show injured school security guards circulated on social media. The posts reportedly fueled confusion and false claims that the two guards had already died.
Puno said authorities, particularly the police, have to carefully verify information before releasing it to the public, even as they work to provide updates as quickly as possible.
“They want to share the information as quickly as possible, but they want to share verified information,” he said.
The incident also exposed the need to further strengthen the government’s crisis communication and information dissemination systems, according to Puno.
“Hindi tayo sanay sa mga pangyayaring ganyan. But it does call to refine processes and make things better,” he said.
Puno also pointed to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s immediate response following the Zamboanga incident, including press briefings aimed at providing the public and media with verified updates.
The DILG likewise urged Filipinos to think twice and verify first before sharing posts, especially during emergencies when false information can spread within minutes.
The department stressed that coordinated government communication, responsible reporting and public vigilance are vital to preventing speculation, panic and unnecessary alarm when accurate information is most needed.
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