The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) refuted on Wednesday circulating social media posts claiming that a massive illegal drug haul worth millions or billions of pesos was seized in Davao City, describing the reports as entirely fabricated and malicious.
A social media post recently went viral claiming that P250 billion worth of illegal drugs was seized in Davao City. According to the post, police apprehended a van driver who allegedly said he was delivering the shipment to the house of Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, claiming he was unaware that the boxes contained illegal drugs. The driver also reportedly said he was only instructed by his Chinese employer to transport the parcels to Duterte’s residence.
In a statement, DCPO City Director Col. Peter B. Madria clarified that no such anti-illegal drug operation occurred within the city’s area of responsibility, and that the viral posts have no factual basis.
“These reports are entirely false, malicious, and without factual basis. The alleged incident was never reported, recorded, nor did it occur within the Area of Responsibility of Davao City,” Madria said.
DCPO stated that upon police verification revealed that the photos used in the misleading posts were not related to any operation in Davao City. Instead, these images were taken from a separate law enforcement activity in Bacolod City involving smuggled cigarettes.
Madria emphasized the serious consequences of spreading misinformation, noting that it not only misleads the public but also harms reputations and undermines trust in legitimate police operations.
“Spreading fake news and false information is irresponsible and harmful, as it misleads the public, damages reputations, creates unnecessary alarm, and undermines trust in legitimate law enforcement efforts,” he said.
The DCPO also reminded the public that individuals who create or share false information may face criminal liability under existing laws, including provisions of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Madria said authorities have launched an investigation, in coordination with the Cybercrime Unit and other concerned offices, to identify those responsible for the dissemination of the false posts.
“The DCPO will immediately conduct a thorough investigation… All available legal remedies will be pursued against those found violating the law,” Madria added.
The police urged the public to practice responsible social media use by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official government sources.
The DCPO assured residents that Davao City remains peaceful, secure, and under constant police vigilance.
