To diffuse the impact of false reported robbery incidents circulating online, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) assured Dabawenyos that the city is safe.
It also denied the allegation posted on social media regarding the report of areas where alleged robbery incidents are prevalent.
Information of holdup and robbery incidents in Davao City are circulating online these past few days.
In a statement, the DCPO also states that it has already validated and conducted investigation relative to this matter and found no reported robbery/hold-up incidents that happened in the areas mentioned on a social media post. In fact, the establishment mentioned in the post had already denied the claim.
“It is very unfortunate that there are some misinformation and unvalidated reports made by some individuals that paints a negative picture of our safety and security status in the city,” DCPO said in a statement.
In a radio interview on Thursday, Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay said it is also necessary to check the veracity of the information posted online.
Sumagaysay also told to accept criticisms from the public and act on the reported holdup incidents and other crimes happening in Davao City as being circulated on social media.
“We ask everyone to refrain from sharing such malicious and fake news as it will just cause panic and fear to the public. Let us also be reminded to be responsible in posting unconfirmed reports online to avoid any legal implications,” DCPO said.
It also encourage Dabawenyos to exercise vigilance and report any unlawful acts to the nearest police station or place their complaints to the official social media accounts so that the police could promptly act and address the matter appropriately.
“We assure everyone that Davao City is safe as we are doing our best efforts to secure and protect everyone who lives and sojourn the City,” it said.
Sumagaysay also reminded the public to report to the police stations any crimes happening in the city and not just share them on social media.
“Mas maayo mag cooperate ta sa pulis ug mag call sa ilang hotlines and Central 911 call center para maiabot nato sa mga police kaning issue. Ato pud ginapakusgan kung tinuod man ni o may nakita mo magsumbong gyud mo dapat, magparticipate ta ani. Shared responsibility man ang peace and order pero dako ang responsibility sa law enforcers. Ato suportahan ang atong mga pulis,” he said.
