THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI has clarified that a viral photograph showing Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa at the Digos City Memorial Park in Davao del Sur was taken three years ago and does not reflect his presence during this year’s Undas observance.
PRO XI issued the clarification after an online post by netizen Rey Anthony Malig-on, featuring the former police chief at the memorial park, circulated on social media and was subsequently picked up in a news report by the Daily Tribune.
Verification by police authorities confirmed the photograph was from a previous year. Malig-on also clarified in the comment section of the media outlet’s article that the picture was old.
In a statement, PRO XI acting director BGEN Benigno L. Guzman cautioned the public against sharing unverified information on social media, emphasizing that resurfaced photos presented as current events can easily mislead the public.
Guzman added that the warning aligns with directives from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., urging the public to verify sources and dates before sharing content online.
Meanwhile, the Daily Tribune has yet to comment on the matter.
