Iloilo police debunk abduction claims as hoax

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) have once again refuted reports of a group abducting women and children in the area.

Local police authorities made this announcement on Wednesday following the circulation of text messages and social media posts claiming possible abduction attempts.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, dismissed the recent messages claiming that a group of individuals aboard a van from Manila had arrived in the city as nothing more than recycled hoaxes.

“The reports of a group of kidnappers in a van are false and baseless,” Legada said. He noted that the same abduction rumors have been circulated in Iloilo City and the province several years ago.

The messages also warned of specific vehicles allegedly used by the so-called abductors: a green van with plate number XMM-507 and a white van with plate number VXM-357.

“The colors and license plates of the vans have remained the same through all these years. I hope the public will be cautious in spreading such information, as it may cause unnecessary worry to others,” Legada added.

Police Captain Melchor Tolentino, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 3, verified that there have been no reports of missing persons in the areas mentioned in the rumors. Other police stations reported similar findings.

“We advise the public to stop spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear and anxiety,” Legada said.

“The Iloilo City Police is continuously monitoring the situation, and we assure you that the safety and security of our community remain our top priority.”

Meanwhile, the IPPO leadership also informed the public that there is no truth to the messages circulating on social media and in various group chats, alleging a group of people abducting teenagers or children.

Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, emphasized the public’s crucial role in combating misinformation.

“If you receive such a message, please refrain from forwarding it to your family and friends. By doing so, you actively prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news,” he said.

Razalan also urged the public to help spread information only from trusted sources.