DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) representatives called for a unified national response on Thursday to combat fake news and misinformation, emphasizing that verified messaging is essential for preventing public panic during emergencies.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila forum held at Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila, DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communication Ronaldo C. Puno highlighted that countering false narratives requires active collaboration between state agencies, news outlets, and citizens—particularly during volatile incidents like the recent school shooting in Zamboanga City.
“We really need a concerted effort to quash fake news,” Puno stated, urging institutional partners to strengthen verification pipelines so that only factual updates reach the public square.
Campus violence in Zamboanga City brought existing crisis communications under scrutiny.
“We are not accustomed to events like school shootings. However, this situation clearly demands that we refine our response protocols and elev ate overall performance,” Puno noted regarding government mechanisms.
Unverified media—including viral videos alleging fatalities among security personnel at Ateneo de Zamboanga University—spread rapidly across social networks shortly after the event occurred.
Speculative posts created widespread confusion before official facts could be confirmed by authorities on the ground.
Puno defended the deliberate response pace of law enforcement, noting that the Philippine National Police (PNP) balances speed with factual accuracy when validating sensitive reports during unfolding situations.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla subsequently held brief press briefings to deliver authorized updates as confirmed details emerged.
“Shortly after the Zamboanga situation, Secretary Remulla issued immediate statements to provide maximum verified context,” Puno added.
DILG leadership continues to advise citizens to verify content through primary government channels prior to resharing posts online.
Preventing digital panic during fast-moving emergencies relies heavily on public restraint and disciplined information management from official channels.
Combined public caution and transparent state communications remain critical to ensuring factual truth prevails over online speculation when public safety is on the line.
