ILOILO – Following the spread of disinformation regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. urged the public to be cautious about what they read, hear, and share online.
“You must be careful about what you read and what you listen to. We all have the obligation to ensure that the information we share is true,” Defensor said.
While various mediums, especially social media, can provide information on current events, they lack the regulation and accountability systems that mainstream media possesses, he emphasized.
“Unlike mainstream media, which is regulated and has a system of accountability, social media globally allows people to pretend to be someone else and spread information without any accountability,” Defensor added.
He specifically pointed out the new generation, who have access to cellphones and social media platforms, as being particularly vulnerable to the spread of misinformation. According to Defensor, this is a significant concern for the education system, which must address the issue.
However, Defensor clarified that his message extends beyond the disinformation surrounding Duterte’s arrest.
“This is not just about the issue surrounding Duterte’s arrest; it’s about everything. Too much of anything is poison,” he said.
One of the false claims circulating online includes an alleged statement by United States President Donald Trump, condemning Duterte’s arrest and calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite his release.
The claim, which had been widely shared on Facebook, featured quote cards supposedly from reputable media outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Fox News, and BBC News.
These fake quote cards have received thousands of reactions and shares. Some versions suggested Trump would impose sanctions on the Marcos administration over Duterte’s arrest. Many social media users expressed their gratitude to Trump in the comment sections of the posts.
However, a review of official statements and social media accounts from Trump, the White House, and major news outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Fox News, and BBC News, revealed no such remarks. The images used in the posts appear to be fabricated, with some originating from a Filipino satire page./PN
