THE police command of Baclayon town said that the alleged kidnapping incident in Baclayon, the oldest town in Bohol, has not been verified.
“There are no reported or substantiated kidnapping incidents corresponding to the claims presented in the said video,” that saw circulation online, the official police statement posted on social media said.
It found no evidence of said kidnapping after a review of the video and police blotters. It, however, admitted that the video of alleged kidnapping is worrying.
The Bohol Provincial Police Office (PPO) “condemns all acts of violence and lawlessness and is not treating this matter lightly.”
BPPO ordered the Baclayon police to conduct probe to determine the authenticity of the footage, identify the individuals involved, and establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. It also directed the Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit to do the same simultaneously but independently.
“In the interest of maintaining public order, we strongly urge everyone to exercise prudence and discernment in consuming and sharing information online. The spread of unverified content can incite unwarranted fear and panic, ultimately causing more harm than the incidents they allegedly portray.”
It assured the public that their safety and security remain police highest priority. (Ric Obedencio)
