Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally established two specialized committees -- the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) -- to reinforce its commitment to public safety and truth in information.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that JAKAC will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country, while JAFNAC will address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.
Marbil emphasized that the formation of these committees aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas vision and reflects the PNP's commitment to transparent, accountable, and proactive policing. He added that these committees are proactive responses to modern-day threats, ensuring that law and truth prevail under Bagong Pilipinas.
The formation of JAKAC, led by PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, follows the successful resolution of the kidnapping and murder case of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo. Marbil commended Okubo and the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for their decisive action, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, with two others still being hunted.
In addition to addressing kidnapping cases, the spread of fake news also poses significant challenges. Recent unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent businessmen have circulated online, prompting alarm and misinformation. The PNP has debunked these claims as baseless and is actively pursuing those behind these malicious posts.
Marbil noted that the creation of JAFNAC, led by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, is a direct response to these incidents, aiming to institutionalize coordination, monitoring, and response strategies to combat disinformation across all platforms. Marbil asserted that fake news can incite fear, panic, and even unrest, and under Bagong Pilipinas, the PNP is taking a firm stand against deception.
