By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formally established two specialized committees — the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) — to reinforce its commitment to public safety and truth in information.
In a statement on Monday (April 21), PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the JAKAC will focus on identifying, investigating, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations in the country, while the JAFNAC will address the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation that threaten public trust, peace, and national stability.
He said the formation of these committees are aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, and reflects the PNP’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and proactive policing.
“These committees are not just organizational measures — they are proactive responses to modern-day threats. From kidnap-for-hire syndicates to digital disinformation campaigns, the PNP is moving decisively to protect our people. This is our commitment to Bagong Pilipinas — ensuring that law and truth prevail,” Marbil said.
“These initiatives are grounded on the principle that a secure and informed citizenry is key to national development.”
The formation of JAKAC, to be led by PNP Deputy Chief for Investigation Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, comes in the wake of the successful resolution of the kidnapping and murder case of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
Marbil commended Okubo and the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) for their decisive action on the case, with three suspects arrested and two others still being hunted.
Alongside kidnapping cases, the spread of fake news also poses significant challenges. In recent weeks, unverified reports of alleged kidnappings of prominent businessmen have circulated online, prompting alarm and misinformation.
The PNP has debunked these claims as baseless and is actively pursuing those behind these malicious posts.
Marbil said the creation of the JAFNAC, to be led by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, is a direct response to these incidents and aims to institutionalize coordination, monitoring, and response strategies to combat disinformation across all platforms.
“Fake news is not harmless — it can incite fear, panic, and even unrest. Under Bagong Pilipinas, we are taking a firm stand. We will not allow deception to dictate the public narrative,” Marbil said. (PNA)
