The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged the public Thursday to verify information before sharing it, particularly during emergencies when unverified reports can quickly cause fear and confusion.
DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communication Rolando Puno said countering misinformation requires coordinated efforts from government agencies, media organizations and the public.
The need became particularly evident following the Aug. 18 school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, when unverified reports and videos circulated on social media shortly after the incident.
“We really need a concerted effort to quash fake news,” Puno said in a statement, emphasizing the need for government agencies to coordinate so verified information reaches the public.
Videos purportedly showing injured school security guards spread online after the shooting, prompting unverified reports that the two guards had died.
Puno said the public should rely on official announcements and credible government sources rather than immediately sharing information that has not been confirmed.
He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) also exercises caution in releasing details during rapidly developing incidents because authorities must first validate reports.
“Given the tense situation, given how quickly things progressed, nag-iingat din ang pulis (the police force is also careful). They want to share the information as quickly as possible, but they want to share verified information,” Puno said.
The incident also showed the need to strengthen government communication and information dissemination during crises, he said.
“Hindi tayo sanay sa mga pangyayaring ganyan (We are not used to such incidents). But it does call to refine processes and make things better,” Puno said.
He cited the DILG’s response to the Zamboanga shooting as an example of the importance of quickly providing verified information.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued a statement and held press conferences following the incident as authorities gathered and validated details.
“Shortly after the Zamboanga situation, he (Remulla) came up with a statement right away to try to give us as many details as possible,” Puno said.
Puno said government agencies must continue improving their communication systems to ensure accurate information reaches the public during emergencies.
He also urged the public to exercise the same responsibility by checking the source and accuracy of information before posting or sharing it online.
Photo courtesy of University of Miami News
Comments