Probe underway to identify people behind fake Marikina kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines — An investigation is underway to unmask the people behind social media posts saying that a series of kidnappings occurred in Marikina, the city government said yesterday.

The local government issued the statement as it vowed to hold accountable the persons responsible for the fake news that put the city in a bad light.

It said the Marikina police is working overtime to identify the people responsible for the false information, who could face charges of public disorder in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

“Those who broke the law will be punished with imprisonment and fines,” the city government said.

The city government urged netizens to verify reports before sharing them on their social media platforms.

Police have refuted social media posts claiming that several teenagers went missing after attending a Bible study organized by a Christian church ministry.