In a recent development, the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), P/Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., has strongly criticized an unidentified vlogger who is attempting to tarnish the reputation of government officials and spread disinformation for personal gain on social media platforms.
During Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, Acorda expressed his disbelief at the situation, labeling it as absurd. He revealed that even the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., was implicated in the vlogger’s false claims, supposedly convincing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down from office.
One of the viral posts alleged that both the AFP and PNP were withdrawing their support for the President, which Acorda described as unforgivable. He expressed his disappointment and stated, “It hurts me that there are individuals spreading disinformation through their vlogs in an attempt to gain fame.”
Addressing the police personnel, Acorda emphasized the importance of unity among law enforcers in upholding the rule of law, respecting the Constitution, and defending the government. He asserted, “As your chief, I am counting on each and every one of you to fulfill your duty as law enforcers and protectors of our nation.”
The initial investigation conducted by the PNP revealed that the vlogger in question is a retired military general, but their true identity remains unknown despite extensive efforts to uncover it.
Meanwhile, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. released a statement on Saturday affirming the unwavering loyalty of the AFP to the Constitution and its commitment to fulfilling its mandate. He stated, “The men and women of the AFP remain steadfast in their role as guardians of our nation’s sovereignty and defenders of democratic principles.”
Acorda, while acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression and speech, emphasized that law enforcers have a duty to protect the community and enforce the law. He stated, “We do not tolerate such actions, and the public relies on us. They know that we make sacrifices, and our commitment is unwavering.”
Additionally, Acorda urged the public to refrain from spreading disinformation on social media platforms merely to create viral content. He emphasized the importance of responsible sharing and encouraged individuals to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it.
The PNP and AFP play crucial roles in maintaining peace and order in the Philippines. As such, it is essential for the public to trust and rely on accurate information provided by these institutions. The actions taken by Chief Acorda and Gen. Brawner demonstrate their commitment to upholding the truth and ensuring the welfare of the nation.
It is imperative that individuals exercise caution and critical thinking when consuming and sharing information on social media platforms. By doing so, we can collectively combat the spread of disinformation and contribute to a more informed and responsible society.
Source: The Manila Times
