THE Dagupan City Police Office (DPO) has announced that no verified holdup incident took place along the bustling A.B. Fernandez Avenue, specifically at the corner of Arellano St., last week, contrary to claims circulating on a Facebook page managed by a purported political troll alleging that the crime occurred in broad daylight.

Under the leadership of Police City Director Orly Pagaduan, the DPO swiftly conducted a comprehensive investigation into the social media claims from the Facebook page ‘Information on Dagupan’ and confirmed that the purported incident never happened. There were no entries in the police blotter regarding the alleged incident, nor was there a complaint from anyone claiming to be a victim.

A review of CCTV footage from the vicinity revealed that no holdup or robbery occurred at the location.

The DPO suspects that the story of the alleged holdup may have originated from a misunderstanding by a Facebook user concerning a minor with an apparent mental condition, who was reportedly acting suspiciously and causing a disturbance, as corroborated by several witnesses.

During the holiday season, the DPO is actively enhancing police presence and conducting patrols throughout the cit, especially in crowded areas such as A.B. Fernandez Avenue and the downtown district, with the aim of maintaining order and public safety.

“We reiterate that there is no truth to the holdup incident. It is crucial for social media users to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online, as misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion among the public,” stated Pagaduan.

“We will continue our presence in populated areas, ensuring that there is no cause for alarm among residents,” he added.

Mayor Belen Fernandez condemned the spread of false and unverified information, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the city’s peaceful atmosphere. She raised concerns about the potential fear such fake news could instill in the community and urged vigilance against it.

“We are dedicated to ensuring peace and security in the city, so that every family can celebrate Christmas happily, peacefully, and safely. We fully support our local police,” Fernandez affirmed. (Leonardo Micua)