Manila: The Negros Oriental provincial government: has urged netizens to refrain from disseminating unverified information, particularly concerning class suspensions, to prevent unnecessary confusion. This warning follows the circulation of alleged fake news on social media, which falsely quoted Governor Manuel Sagarbarria as having declared a province-wide suspension of classes due to severe weather conditions and resulting floods and landslides in some northern towns.

According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial administrator, lawyer Arthur Fran Tolcidas, emphasized the importance of verifying information from official sources before sharing it. Adrian Sedillo, who leads the provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), echoed this sentiment. Sedillo noted that while certain local government units, such as those in Dauin, Bindoy, and Manjuyod, have suspended classes due to weather forecasts indicating moderate to heavy rainfall, no such province-wide suspension has been officially declared.

The PDRRMO has revealed that misinformation included claims of the province being under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, which were unfounded and potentially alarming. Sedillo highlighted that such incidents could lead to panic and undue concern among those keeping track of weather updates and local government communications.

To mitigate the spread of misinformation, Sedillo advised the public to rely on several official Facebook accounts, including those of the governor's office and the PDRRMO, where regular and accurate updates are consistently posted. Additionally, national government agencies like the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration remain credible sources for official information.