NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PNP Warns Vloggers Against Creating Crime Pranks In Social Media Videos
Photo credit: Tukomi Skits
In a stern reminder issued on Tuesday, August 8, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has cautioned vloggers and content creators against producing crime-related pranks and has urged them to exercise caution while uploading videos on social media platforms.
PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. emphasized that the police force takes its commitment to upholding the law seriously, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of three individuals—Mark San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael, and Eleazar Steven Fuentes. The trio were apprehended on August 1 following orders from the Las Piñas Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124 on charges of alarm and scandal.
Addressing the issue, Acorda stated, “Pranks that induce panic and disrupt public order cannot be taken lightly. We commend our personnel for their swift action in this instance." The PNP's prompt response underscores its dedication to maintaining public safety and order, particularly in the digital age where social media plays a significant role.
The incident leading to these arrests dates back to April 6, when the suspects behind the "Tukomi Blog" staged a fake kidnapping episode that outraged the public. The elaborate hoax, set on Saging Street, Phase 2, Brgy. CAA Phase II in Las Piñas, led a police officer, Staff Sgt. Ronnie Conmingo, to draw his firearm under the impression that an actual kidnapping was taking place. Subsequently, Conmingo filed a complaint for alarm and scandal against the vloggers.
Although the accused were released on August 2 after posting bail, an arraignment is scheduled for August 10 at 2:00 p.m. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of creating misleading and disruptive content in the online space.
PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. emphasized that the police force takes its commitment to upholding the law seriously, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of three individuals—Mark San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael, and Eleazar Steven Fuentes. The trio were apprehended on August 1 following orders from the Las Piñas Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124 on charges of alarm and scandal.
Addressing the issue, Acorda stated, “Pranks that induce panic and disrupt public order cannot be taken lightly. We commend our personnel for their swift action in this instance." The PNP's prompt response underscores its dedication to maintaining public safety and order, particularly in the digital age where social media plays a significant role.
The incident leading to these arrests dates back to April 6, when the suspects behind the "Tukomi Blog" staged a fake kidnapping episode that outraged the public. The elaborate hoax, set on Saging Street, Phase 2, Brgy. CAA Phase II in Las Piñas, led a police officer, Staff Sgt. Ronnie Conmingo, to draw his firearm under the impression that an actual kidnapping was taking place. Subsequently, Conmingo filed a complaint for alarm and scandal against the vloggers.
Although the accused were released on August 2 after posting bail, an arraignment is scheduled for August 10 at 2:00 p.m. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of creating misleading and disruptive content in the online space.
Aug 8, 2023
