The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and several local government units have warned Filipinos against a Facebook page spreading “fake news” about lockdowns supposedly due to an “influenza virus.”
On October 12, the agency clarified that the page “DSWD Television” is not connected to or authorized by the department, adding that it has been posting false information.
“Mag-ingat sa pekeng Facebook page na ‘DSWD TELEVESION’ na ginagamit ang pangalan at logo ng DSWD kahit pa ito ay may blue badge,” the DSWD said in a post.
The DSWD also urged the public to report the page and avoid interacting with it, especially by refraining from sharing any personal information with such dubious accounts.
To guide the public, the agency listed its official accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.
The DSWD’s post was shared by the city government of Valenzuela on Friday, October 17, as it warned its followers about the page spreading false information.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Quezon also debunked a post by “DSWD Television” falsely claiming the province would be placed under “lockdown” from October 17 to 25 due to “rising cases of influenza virus.”
“WALANG anumang opisyal na utos o anunsyo ang pamahalaan para mag-lockdown. Mga kalalawigan, maging mapanuri tayo sa mga nababasa at nakikita sa social media platforms,” the Quezon Province said.
On Thursday, October 16, the Facebook page “DSWD Television” falsely claimed that Metro Manila and several other areas, including Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Masbate, Sorsogon, Zambales, Aklan and Antique, would be placed under “lockdown” due to a rise in “influenza virus” cases.
Despite posting false information, the page carries a verified badge and has over 916,000 followers. Its post about the supposed lockdown has amassed 13,000 reactions, 4,200 comments and 41,000 shares.
However, there are no legitimate reports that any area in the Philippines will be placed under lockdown due to influenza or any related illness.
Last week, only only a suspension of physical classes in public schools in Metro Manila was announced, following a reported increase in influenza-like illness within the schools.
Influenza-like illness
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa clarified on Tuesday that there is no flu outbreak, describing the current cases as “seasonal flu” typically associated with the cooler weather marked by monsoon rains.
He explained that influenza-like illness (ILI) refers to a group of illnesses that share symptoms such as cough, colds, fever, sore throat and body aches.
Herbosa added that ILI cases usually rise during the “-ber” months due to cooler temperatures and increased time spent indoors.
“It’s really just the weather. When it rains, it’s the time for flu-like symptoms because we stay in enclosed spaces and close windows. When we’re together, influenza spreads very fast,” the DOH chief said.
Last week, hospitals and health centers also shared tips to help prevent the spread of ILI, including wearing face masks and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
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