In today’s fast-paced digital age, the rise of misinformation and disinformation, collectively known as “fake news” poses a serious challenge to truth, trust, and responsible communication. Recognizing the impact of false information on communities, governance, and public safety, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Joseph R. Arguelles, Regional Director, held its first-ever Anti-Fake News Consultative Forum on August 19, 2025, at PRO 11 Pulis Bagani Hall, Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido, Buhangin, Davao City.
The forum brought together key stakeholders from various government agencies, media practitioners, civil society, and law enforcement. It paved the way for open dialogue, collaborative learning, and the exchange of strategies to effectively combat the spread of fake news in the region, while promoting responsible use of social media and public awareness.
This initiative reflects how serious PRO 11 is in battling the scourge of lies and deceit on various social media platforms, which may cause harm to the citizens and communities, due to the prevalence of fake news.
During the forum, PRO 11 facilitated an important collaboration with a vast network of media outlets throughout the Davao Region dubbed “TROPA Media” to meaningfully discuss and provide solutions on how to address the spread of false information. Among the topics covered in the forum were: (1) “Understanding Disinformation, Misinformation, Mal-information (Media and Information Literacy)”; (2) Journalism Ethics/Ethical Information Sharing”; and (3) “Challenges in Cybercrime Investigation.
The activity was attended by different partner agencies and organizations including the National Telecommunications (NTC) XI, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) XI, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) XI, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XI, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit XI, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center XI, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army, Salaam People’s Advocacy Group XI, Davao Peace and Security Press Corp, TROPA News, stakeholders, and other media practitioners.
Mr. Michael L. Uy, Information Officer III, and a subject matter expert from PIA-11, shared his expertise on understanding Disinformation, Misinformation, and Mal-Information (Media and Information Literacy). He comprehensively elaborated the three types of false information, their effects on society and public trust, and how to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills to prevent spreading or falling victim to misleading information.
Similarly, Dir. Nelson T. Cañete, NTC XI, Regional Director, discussed Journalism Ethics/Ethical Information Sharing, where he reiterated the importance of truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in sharing trustworthy public information.
Police Colonel James M. Cipriano, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO 11, who represented PBGen Arguelles, stressed the significance of the consultative forum as it introduced a perfect venue to address the spread of fake news, which jeopardizes social cohesion, public trust, and the truth.
Aside from tackling the threat of fake news, PRO 11 also demonstrated its stronghold against law-breakers as it excellently maintain peace and order in the entire Davao Region, particularly during the nationwide rally on September 21. In Davao City, the Davao City Police Office led by Police Colonel Mannan Caracas Muarip, Acting City Director, commended the public for their discipline and cooperation following the peaceful and orderly conclusion of the Davao City Prayer Rally. The large-scale gathering, which drew thousands of participants, ended with zero incidents—no arrests, no disturbances, a major success for both the organizers and the local law enforcement authorities.
Under the supervision of PBGen Arguelles, PCol Muarip implemented a comprehensive security and traffic plan to ensure safety and orderliness of the event. A considerable number of police personnel were also strategically deployed throughout the city for crowd management, police visibility, and immediate response to any possible threats.
PCol Muarip considered the event’s success a prime example of how collaborative efforts between citizens and law enforcement can ensure safety without compromising freedoms.
“The zero-incident record for tonight’s prayer rally is a testament to the discipline of the Davaoeños and the effectiveness of our security preparations. It demonstrates that large public assemblies can be held peacefully when there is mutual respect and cooperation between the public and law enforcement,” he said.
As the primary law enforcement agency in the country, the Philippine National Police, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., persistently implements innovations and programs that will reinforce public safety and security, protecting the citizens against all forms of threats, and ensuring a crime-free society.
