BACOLOD City – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has dismissed as false and misleading social media reports claiming that personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion–Negros Island Region (RMFB-NIR) were killed or wounded following an armed encounter in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
In a statement issued on June 16, PRO-NIR clarified that all members of the 1st Platoon, 2nd Maneuver Company of the RMFB-NIR have been accounted for and remain safe following the June 14 encounter with suspected members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Sitio Kabalagnan, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava.
Police investigators said the unit encountered the armed group while conducting security operations in the area.
Authorities emphasized that no injuries or casualties were reported among government forces during the encounter.
The regional police office expressed concern over the spread of unverified information online, warning that false reports can cause unnecessary public alarm, distress among the families of law enforcement personnel, and potential disruptions to legitimate security operations.
PRO-NIR said it will coordinate with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit–Negros Island Region (RACU-NIR) to investigate the source of the misinformation and identify those responsible for operating the social media page that published the alleged false report.
The police also said the incident will be reported to Facebook for possible action under the platform’s policies against the dissemination of false information.
In addition, PRO-NIR is exploring legal remedies against individuals who may be found responsible for maliciously spreading misinformation online, subject to the outcome of the investigation and the determination of probable cause by prosecutors.
The police urged the public to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing content on social media.
“PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, accountability, public safety, and the preservation of peace and order throughout the Negros Island Region,” the statement said./PN
