SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao del Sur — Municipal Mayor Hon. Helen Benito has strongly denied circulating allegations that residents of South Upi were harassed, forcibly evicted, and had their houses burned on the eve of the New Year, calling the claims false, unverified, and misleading.
In an official statement released by the Office of the Mayor, Benito dismissed reports alleging that several families were driven from their homes and forced to welcome 2026 in the forest and along roadsides following supposed harassment and arson incidents on December 31, 2025. She said a thorough verification and assessment conducted with authorities and other reliable sources found no recorded incidents of harassment or house burning in the municipality during the period in question.
“Hindi totoo at walang naganap na harassment at pagsunog ng mga kabahayan sa bayan ng South Upi,” the mayor said, stressing that the reports had no factual basis.
The local government warned that the spread of unverified information has already caused unnecessary fear, confusion, and public anxiety, while creating a distorted picture of the actual situation on the ground. Benito condemned what she described as the reckless creation and dissemination of false narratives, particularly those involving vulnerable communities.
The denial comes amid viral social media posts claiming that residents were allegedly forced out of their homes, lost their livelihoods, and sought justice for supposed abuses. The posts quoted a source identified only as “Jeff,” alleging arson, land grabbing, and even deaths—claims the local government says are baseless and unsupported by any official report.
Mayor Benito urged the public to exercise critical judgment, especially when consuming and sharing information online, and to rely only on official channels and credible sources. She emphasized that misinformation not only damages the credibility of those who spread it but can also harm the reputation of individuals or groups falsely accused and disrupt the peaceful life of the community.
“As Ina ng Bayan ng South Upi,” Benito appealed to concerned individuals to raise legitimate grievances through proper and legal processes, assuring that valid concerns will be heard and addressed without resorting to exaggeration or false accusations.
Authorities reiterated their call for responsible communication, warning that fake news—particularly during sensitive periods—can inflame tensions and undermine public trust. The municipal government said it remains committed to transparency and to safeguarding peace and order in South Upi.