Student faces raps for kidnapping hoax
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A 19-year-old student in Biliran is facing criminal charges for filing a false kidnap report.
The student, a resident of Cabugcayan town, claimed that men in a white van snatched her in Barangay Santissimo Rosario Poblacion in Naval on Aug. 20.
However, police said investigation showed the student fabricated her story, citing inconsistencies in her statements.
There was no such incident, according to witnesses and footage of closed-circuit television cameras at the supposed scene of the crime.
Maj. Ryan Delima, Naval police chief, said a complaint for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code or the unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances was filed against the student.
Biliran police acting director Col. Dionisio Apas Jr. warned the public against spreading unverified news or information that may mislead, deceive and sow fear.
“Be cautious when posting and sharing in social media and always fact-check the authenticity of reports posted so as not to fall victim to misinformation and disinformation,” he said.
The Philippine National Police had earlier dismissed claims that men in white vans were behind the spate of recent kidnappings and killings. – Emmanuel Tupas
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