TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato — Authorities have launched an investigation after a viral social media post by a barangay captain triggered fear among residents over a supposed child abduction that officials later confirmed never happened.
The controversy began when Punong Barangay Terence Jay Ehimplar posted an alert on Facebook claiming that a 13-year-old from Barangay Topland had allegedly been taken by a “colorum” tricycle and later chased and caught in Tampakan. The post urged parents to closely monitor their children and remain vigilant, quickly spreading online and causing alarm among netizens.
Ehimplar is the barangay captain of Barangay Topland in Koronadal—a boundary barangay between Koronadal City and the Municipality of Tampakan, both located in South Cotabato. Because of the barangay’s strategic location between the two areas, the claim rapidly circulated among residents from both communities.
However, authorities said the alleged incident had not been reported to the police before the post went viral.
According to the Philippine National Police in Tampakan, investigators immediately initiated an interview with the alleged victim after they saw the post circulating on social media.
The local government, led by Mayor Leonard Escobillo, confirmed that both the police and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office are now working to establish the full facts behind the incident and how the claim spread online.
Authorities said they are also seeking the side of the tricycle driver who was identified in the post as the supposed suspect. Investigators are expected to visit the barangay to reconstruct the chronology of events and determine what led to the posting of the unverified information.
False Alarm: No Abduction
In an official statement, the Municipality of Tampakan clarified that the viral report of a child abduction was false and had no verified basis.
According to the local government, what actually happened was a misunderstanding between a driver and a passenger regarding the destination—between Barangay Topland in Koronadal City and Barangay Buto in Tampakan.
Authorities stressed that the incident was not a kidnapping case but merely a case of miscommunication that was mistakenly interpreted and prematurely shared online.
Despite the clarification, the post had already sparked concern among parents and residents, underscoring how quickly misinformation can spread and create panic—especially when it comes from public officials.
Warning Against Spreading Unverified Information
The municipal government strongly urged the public to refrain from posting or reposting claims of alleged crimes without first verifying them with authorities.
Officials emphasized that spreading unconfirmed reports can lead to unnecessary fear, misinformation, and potential harm to individuals whose reputations may be damaged by false accusations.
The reminder was directed particularly at those holding public office, noting that statements from officials carry greater influence and credibility among the public.
“As public officials, your words carry added weight and influence,” the municipality said, calling for responsible communication and verification of facts before sharing sensitive information online.
Authorities said a final official statement will be released once the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, residents in both Koronadal City and Tampakan are encouraged to remain vigilant but rely only on verified information from authorities.