Police: Marikina ‘kidnappings’ fake news

MANILA, Philippines —  The Marikina police refuted yesterday social media posts saying that a series of kidnappings occurred in the city.

“That’s fake news,” city police chief Col. Erwin Dayag said.

Dayag said investigation showed that the teenagers who were reported missing attended a Bible study organized by a Christian church ministry.

Police said the youths returned home safely after the event.

Dayag urged the public not to believe unverified information on social media.

He advised residents to remain calm and avoid sharing false information online, which could cause public fear.