IN response to the spread of misinformation, City Hall said on Friday that several troll accounts are actively disseminating fake news aimed at confusing and misleading the public.
City Hall even highlighted accounts such as CDO XPRESS, ANTI CHANGE, ISSUE KARON, and CDO IDIOT POLITICS as key contributors to this disinformation effort.
“The rise of fake news poses a serious threat to our community's well-being and trust in local governance,” City Hall stated.
They emphasized the need for everyone to come together to combat this issue and ensure that citizens are well-informed.
Earlier, Acting City Information Officer Ian Fuentes expressed concern over the situation, noting that misinformation often serves personal and political interests.
“This misuse of government-affiliated social media pages is a growing issue,” Fuentes said, adding that digital platforms play an important role in sharing information and that the public must verify content before sharing.
He also urged city residents to remain alert and not be misled by false information.
Fuentes mentioned that the City Information Office (CIO) continues to monitor the situation and encourages the public to report any suspicious posts that could confuse the community.
As fake news spreads quickly, Fuentes reminds everyone to think critically and verify information before sharing.
“Transparency and accountability are essential to ensuring that residents of Cagayan de Oro receive truthful and reliable news,” he said.
In light of this, city hall provided tips for residents on how to combat fake news.
First, it’s important to verify the source of any post before believing or sharing it.
It said, to check the profile of the account that posted the information and be cautious of accounts with few followers or unclear profile pictures, as these are often signs of fake accounts.
Residents should rely on verified and official sources for accurate information.
If you see posts that you know to be false, comment “fake news” to alert others; this collective action can help reduce the spread of misinformation.
Additionally, if you encounter any posts flagged as fake, share them on social media to warn others, as spreading awareness is crucial in fighting the fake news epidemic.
City Hall emphasized that fighting fake news requires a collective effort.
“We must empower our community to discern fact from fiction,” they stated in a post regarding the identified fake pages and news.
“The integrity of our information is paramount, and together we can foster a culture of truth,” city hall added.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan encouraged residents to stay vigilant and proactive in sharing this message to help curb the influence of fake news in Cagayan de Oro City.
“Let’s unite to protect our city from the dangers of misinformation and ensure a more informed future for everyone,” Lumbatan urged.
