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Advocates Philippines
PNP Steps Up: New Teams To Combat Kidnapping And Fake News Launched
Photo credit: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has just launched not one, but two new powerful committees: the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC).
Leading the charge against kidnappers is PLTGEN Edgar Alan Okubo, Deputy Chief PNP for Investigation (TDCI), who will head JAKAC. His team’s main mission? Track down, crush, and neutralize organized kidnap-for-hire groups operating in the country.
On the other hand, PLTGEN Robert Rodriguez, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations (TDCO), will take command of JAFNAC, the unit focused on battling the growing problem of fake news and misinformation.
“These aren’t just new committees—they’re real, concrete actions,” said PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil. “From criminal syndicates to fake news campaigns, the PNP is moving to protect the public. This is our contribution to Bagong Pilipinas—making sure that law and truth prevail.”
The formation of JAKAC comes on the heels of a high-profile case: the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo, reportedly orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao. Thanks to the swift and effective work of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) under PLTGEN Okubo, three suspects are now in police custody, with two others still on the run. The PNP promises no let-up in their crackdown on kidnap-for-hire syndicates.
But kidnappers aren’t the only threat.
Over the past few weeks, fake news about alleged kidnappings of prominent business figures spread like wildfire on social media—claims the PNP quickly debunked. Still, it showed just how dangerous misinformation can be.
That’s where JAFNAC comes in. Under PLTGEN Rodriguez’s leadership, this new committee will focus on stronger coordination and strategies to stamp out fake news across all platforms.
“Fake news isn’t a joke—it can cause fear, confusion, and even panic,” said Gen. Marbil. “Under Bagong Pilipinas, we’re drawing the line. We will not let lies take over.”
The PNP emphasized that setting up these two committees is their direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for modern, people-centered governance. They firmly believe that a safe, informed, and vigilant public is key to building a stronger nation.
Leading the charge against kidnappers is PLTGEN Edgar Alan Okubo, Deputy Chief PNP for Investigation (TDCI), who will head JAKAC. His team’s main mission? Track down, crush, and neutralize organized kidnap-for-hire groups operating in the country.
On the other hand, PLTGEN Robert Rodriguez, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations (TDCO), will take command of JAFNAC, the unit focused on battling the growing problem of fake news and misinformation.
“These aren’t just new committees—they’re real, concrete actions,” said PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil. “From criminal syndicates to fake news campaigns, the PNP is moving to protect the public. This is our contribution to Bagong Pilipinas—making sure that law and truth prevail.”
The formation of JAKAC comes on the heels of a high-profile case: the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo, reportedly orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao. Thanks to the swift and effective work of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) under PLTGEN Okubo, three suspects are now in police custody, with two others still on the run. The PNP promises no let-up in their crackdown on kidnap-for-hire syndicates.
But kidnappers aren’t the only threat.
Over the past few weeks, fake news about alleged kidnappings of prominent business figures spread like wildfire on social media—claims the PNP quickly debunked. Still, it showed just how dangerous misinformation can be.
That’s where JAFNAC comes in. Under PLTGEN Rodriguez’s leadership, this new committee will focus on stronger coordination and strategies to stamp out fake news across all platforms.
“Fake news isn’t a joke—it can cause fear, confusion, and even panic,” said Gen. Marbil. “Under Bagong Pilipinas, we’re drawing the line. We will not let lies take over.”
The PNP emphasized that setting up these two committees is their direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for modern, people-centered governance. They firmly believe that a safe, informed, and vigilant public is key to building a stronger nation.
Apr 21, 2025
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