The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said there is no “chop-chop” syndicate targeting motorists in certain areas in the National Capital Region.
“This misinformation has been circulating since 2017, and there have been no reported incidents to date that match the description provided in the message. The details presented appear to be entirely fabricated,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.
This came following a viral social media post that warned motorists against the criminal gang which allegedly targets motorists in various areas, including Green Meadows, Valle Verde, Binondo, and C5 Road near the Bonifacio Global City.
The post also said a 30-year-old individual narrowly escaped falling victim to a scam orchestrated by persons posing as police officers.
Acorda called on the public to refrain from posting unverified information which causes undue panic and fear.
While the police force acknowledges the importance of raising awareness on crime schemes, the PNP chief also urged netizens to verify the accuracy of such information before disseminating it further.
In separate statements, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and the Southern Police District (SPD) also urged netizens to refrain from sharing such posts. Joel E. Zurbano
The SPD said it has intensified police visibility, especially in crime-prone areas. It has also issued a warning to the public against peddling misinformation which is punishable by law.
The SPD further clarified that there have been no reported incidents or victims that have sought assistance from any of the police stations in southern Metro Manila.
The SPD believes that the current claims are a resurgence of an old hoax.
To ensure the safety and security of the community, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes has ordered his men to enforce extensive security measures, such as active police presence, especially in crime-prone areas.
It advised the public to report any incidents, whether verified or not, to the appropriate authorities for thorough investigation. With Joel E. Zurbano