THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cyber Crime Group (ACG) is intensifying its cyber patrolling to validate viral photos and videos on alleged crime incidents.PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. directed all the PNP units to review the viral posts and validate them on the ground.The order came after a video wherein a voice of an alleged female victim is heard screaming for help, indicating a possible sexual assault, was posted on Facebook and other social media platforms.Meanwhile, ACG acting director Brigadier General Joel Doria said most of the trending photos and videos on alleged crime incidents, particularly abduction and attempted rape, have already been validated and it turned out that they were either resolved or edited.“The videos are being recycled while others are edited pictures that are posted to probably gain followers or to depict a picture of an unstable government. We have already ordered our men to step up to the challenge to ensure that malicious/fake videos that are not real are taken down in order not to mislead people into believing it,” said Doria.He recognized, however, the vital role of social media in making the public aware of these incidents.He assured that malicious or fake videos or photos will be taken down to prevent alarm and panic among the public.The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier dismissed claims that serial rapists, killers or kidnappers were roaming around the communities amid the series of crime incidents posted on social media.The agency maintained that the suspects in the recent incidents have no links with each other and their motives differ.It said some of which have already been resolved by the police, particularly through the identification or arrest of the suspects.The PNP is also appealing to the public to be more cautious in sharing videos and photos of alleged incidents, especially if the source is not from a legitimate news outlet or government agency.“If they have personal information or knowledge about a certain incident, it’s better that they report it directly to the nearest police station or call the PNP’s hotline numbers so the PNP can immediately respond to the incident,” the PNP said. (SunStar Philippines)