(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police denied claims of an alleged “tanim-droga” scheme being done by police officers in checkpoints, calling a viral social media post on this as “fake news.”
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana also cautioned the public to be careful on what they post and share online as it creates fear among the public.
He said the public should be cautions “of chain messages circulating in social media and internet-based messaging groups warning of purported irregular vehicle stops and checkpoints by alleged policemen for purpose of extortion.”
“We are aware of chain messages circulating in social media and messaging networks from unknown authors containing themes that, in effect, unduly create adverse public opinion that undermines the integrity of the law enforcement and public safety mission of the police,” he said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 8.
A recent viral social media post claimed that a shabu packet was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle after policemen at a checkpoint inspected the vehicle.
In an initial investigation, authorities found out that the allegation was not true and that the incident happened in another country but was made to appear that it happened in the Philippines.
“Investigation revealed that those alleged checkpoint incidents did not happen. Follow up investigation is ongoing to trace the source of this fake news which aims to sow fear among netizens,” said Durana.
