THE newly-created Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has called on the public to fully support them in their efforts to address the proliferation of fake news which affects national security, peace and order and the economy.

The PNP headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has also reminded the public—including vloggers, content creators, and social media influencers—to be responsible and careful when posting content online.

It is important to verify information before sharing it, especially when it involves sensitive matters like national security or public safety, the top cop said.

“While freedom of expression is a right, it also comes with the responsibility to avoid spreading false or misleading information that may cause harm or confusion,” said Gen. Marbil.

On orders of the PNP chief, the JAFNAC was created to combat the spread of disinformation under the good governance agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The committee headed by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, Lieutenant Gen. Robert T. Rodriguez, with the support of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, is also going after purveyors of fake news that targets national government officials.

The JAFNAC is investigating personalities behind the spread of fake news regarding the purported kidnappings of several high-profile Chinese businessmen in the country.

The committee said it aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for spreading such baseless and malicious information.

The circulation of the said fake news sparked public fear and confusion particularly among the Filipino-Chinese community and the PNP is determined to put an end to such irresponsible acts, according Lt. Gen. Rodriguez.

The creation of JAFNAC is a proactive measure by the PNP to institutionalize coordination, monitoring, and rapid response strategies to counter disinformation across all platforms.

“We will not rest until we uncover the individuals behind these fabricated reports. The PNP will exhaust all legal and operational means to find those responsible and ensure they are held accountable. There is no room for disinformation in this country,” said Gen. Marbil.

“The PNP assures the public that appropriate operational and legal measures are now being undertaken. Those behind this fake news will face the full force of the law,” the official said.

As an institution committed to transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry, the PNP calls on everyone to be vigilant, verify information before sharing, and support the government’s ongoing campaign against digital disinformation.

Gen. Marbil also ordered the creation of the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee or JAKAC to combat kidnappings in the country. He said that the establishment of the JAKAK and JAFNAC is part of their effort to reinforce their commitment to public safety and truth in information.

The JAKAC led by PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation, Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country.

The JAFNAC will address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.

“These committees are not just organizational measures—they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people. This is our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas—ensuring that law and truth prevail,” said Gen. Marbil.

The formation of JAKAC comes in the wake of the successful resolution of the kidnapping and murder case of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo—a heinous crime traced back to a calculated kidnap-for-hire operation allegedly led by Chinese national David Tan Liao.

Gen. Marbil commended the SITG led by Lt. Gen. Okubo for their decisive action, with three suspects arrested and two others still being hunted, affirming the PNP’s drive to dismantle such criminal networks.

Alongside kidnapping cases, the spread of fake news has also posed significant challenges. In recent weeks, unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent businessmen have circulated online, prompting alarm and misinformation.

The PNP has debunked these claims as baseless and is actively pursuing the individuals behind these malicious posts.

The creation of the JAFNAC is a direct response to these incidents and aims to institutionalize coordination, monitoring, and response strategies to combat disinformation across all platforms.

“Fake news is not harmless—it can incite fear, panic, and even unrest. Under Bagong Pilipinas, we are taking a firm stand. We will not allow deception to dictate the public narrative,” said Gen. Marbil.

Aligned with President Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, the formation of these committees reflects the PNP’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and proactive policing.

These initiatives are grounded on the principle that a secure and informed citizenry is key to national development, said the top cop.

The PNP earlier branded as purely disinformation and ‘fake news’ reports regarding a wave of high-profile kidnapping-for-ransom in the country.

“The Philippine National Police is strongly refuting the false information currently circulating on social media alleging that several high-profile business personalities have been kidnapped. These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” said PNP-PIO Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño in a statement.

According to the official, 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.

“The PNP reminds the public that spreading fake news is a criminal offense and those proven to have done so will face legal consequences,” he said.

Gen. Marbil ordered the issuance of such strong statement to clarify the issue.

“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,” he said.

Gen. Marbil also emphasized that the PNP remains open to any legitimate concerns or information. He assured the public that if there are issues that need to be brought to the attention of authorities, there are proper channels available.

The Office of the Chief PNP, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), the PNP Spokesperson, and the Chief of the Public Information Office are always ready to address any concern or inquiry, he said.

“The PNP remains committed to transparency, accountability, and public service. It calls on everyone to be responsible citizens by verifying information before sharing and by supporting efforts to maintain peace and order across the nation,” Gen. Marbil added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon