Police forces in the Davao Region are taking a unified stand against the growing threat of false information. The provincial offices of Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur have recently held separate consultative forums, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen the campaign against information disorder.
Davao del Norte Forum Highlights Collaborative Effort
On November 11, 2025, the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) organized an Anti-fake Information Consultative Forum at the New Marangal Hall in its Tagum City headquarters. The event gathered around 100 participants, including police officers, government information officers, media practitioners, chiefs of police, and community affairs representatives.
DNPPO commander Police Col. Glenn G. Cristines led the initiative, emphasizing the critical need for a joint approach. He stated that the forum aimed to bolster the police campaign against misleading content by fostering collaboration across different sectors.
"Let us continue to work together in promoting truth, transparency, and responsible communication," Col. Cristines urged the attendees. "By standing united against fake information, we safeguard not only our credibility as public servants but also the trust of the communities we serve."
Davao del Sur Echoes Call for Truth and Integrity
In a parallel effort, the Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office (DSPPO) conducted its own forum at the Kabalikat Hall in Digos City. Provincial Director Police Col. Leo Ajero identified fake information as a major challenge to public peace and institutional trust.
Col. Ajero detailed the harmful effects of disinformation, noting it can mislead the public, create fear and division within communities, and damage the reputation of both government bodies and legitimate media outlets. "As public servants, communicators, and defenders of truth, it is our duty to ensure that facts – not falsehoods – guide our people," he asserted.
Supporting this mission, Police Lt.Col Crisaldo R. Gaila, chief of the DSPPO Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit, called for a united front. "This mission cannot be accomplished by a single agency alone," he said. "It requires the unified efforts of government agencies, the security sector, the media, and community stakeholders."
Expert Insights on Disinformation and Cybercrime
The DNPPO forum featured presentations from experts on the complexities of false information. Jeanevive D. Abangan, Deputy Regional Head of the Philippine Information Agency, delivered a comprehensive talk covering:
- Information Disinformation
- The Anatomy of Fake Info
- Ethics in Journalism and Broadcasting
- Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an information source
Additionally, PEMS Sherwin C. Maybanting from the Provincial Anti-Cybercrime Response Team joined the discussion. He highlighted the cybercrime risks linked to spreading fake information and underscored the importance of responsible behavior in digital spaces.
For the DSPPO event, Police Lt. Cedric Suanco of the PNP Regional Anti-Crime Unit (RACU) participated alongside PIA's Abangan, reinforcing the inter-agency commitment to the cause.
The concerted actions by the PNP in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur mark a significant step in proactively addressing information disorder. By engaging police, media, and community leaders, the campaign seeks to build a more informed and resilient public against the dangers of fake news.
