Naga City police clarifies 'terrorism attack' Facebook post

NAGA CITY, Philippines (Bicol Standard) - The Naga City Police Intelligence Officer Chief Inspector Aldwin Gamboa vehemently denied having texted anybody, including Caramoan Chief of Police Inspector Joselito Bermas, regarding information about a possible terrorism attack in Naga City by the Abu Sayyaf.

Said information was the subject of a Facebook post by a certain Jessa Aure Bermas which went viral on Tuesday morning.

In an interview with Bicol Standard, Naga City Information Officer SPO2 Toby Bongon said that Caramoan Municipal Police Station is not covered by the Naga City Police Office.

"The probability is that the alleged information came from another source, like the Military Intelligence Group (MIG), but definitely it did not come from the Naga City Police Office," Bongon said.

Meanwhile, Gamboa said that he had no knowledge of the said Facebook post which runs:

"JUST IN: Intelligence group of PNP Naga texted my father who is the Chief of Police - Caramoan that Abu Sayyaf members are now inside the City of Naga to perform possible terrorism attacks. Pls be safe everyone and avoid crowded places."

The post, which had since been taken down, had 242 shares in just two hours.

In an interview over Bombo Radyo Naga, Bermas confirmed that Jessa is indeed his daughter.

"She must have heard my conversation with my wife regarding the terroristic attacks that happened in Mindanao," Bermas said.

He also defended his daughter, saying that she is too young and probably does not understand the implication the post would bring when posted on social media.

He said that his attention was called by Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Walfredo Pornillos regarding said Facebook post.

Jessa had since taken down the message and deactivated her Facebook account as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

By 11 a.m., however, she reactivated her Facebook account and posted the following message:

"SORRY FOR MY PREVIOUS POST. MISUNDERSTANDING. NOT TRUE. I SHOULD'VE POST ANYTHING. I AM JUST NOTHING BUT A CIVILIAN."

Meantime, the Naga City Police Office assured the public that they are strictly following President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to tighten security measures, especially with the upcoming Peñafrancia fiesta.

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Melissa Basmayor is the editor of the Bicol Standard, a regional partner of Philstar.com.