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A wave of false information regarding nationwide class suspensions has been circulating on social media, prompting officials to issue clarifications amid rising concerns about influenza-like illnesses in the Philippines.
Contrary to viral posts claiming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a memorandum suspending classes from October 20 to 25, no such directive was issued by the government. The most widely shared post, which garnered nearly 500 reactions and over 600 shares, originated from a Facebook page falsely identifying itself as “DSWD Television,” an impersonation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“The President signed a memorandum at 8:00 pm stating that classes will be suspended in parts of the Philippines from October 20 to 25,” the misleading post claimed in Filipino. It also contained suspicious links purportedly listing affected areas.
Official government channels, including the Presidential Communications Office, have not released any announcements regarding nationwide class suspensions due to health concerns. While some areas did cancel classes on October 20, these suspensions were related to Tropical Storm Ramil rather than health issues.
The fabricated announcement appears to have capitalized on genuine public concern following a limited suspension of face-to-face classes in Metro Manila on October 13 and 14 due to an increase in influenza-like illnesses. This temporary measure, implemented by the Department of Education for the capital region only, may have provided context for the false nationwide suspension claim.
Health authorities have been quick to provide clarity on the current situation. The Department of Health (DOH) emphasized there is no influenza outbreak in the country, stating that recent increases in cases fall within expected seasonal patterns. DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo reported 121,716 cases of influenza-like illnesses from January to September this year—actually fewer than the 135,538 cases recorded during the same period in 2023.
The false posts represent a concerning trend of health-related misinformation. The fraudulent Facebook page has a history of spreading unfounded claims about class suspensions and alleged lockdowns supposedly triggered by influenza outbreaks.
Digital security experts warn that clicking on links in such posts could expose users to phishing attempts. The URLs embedded in these posts redirect to unofficial blog sites requesting Google account credentials, potentially compromising personal information.
This incident highlights the importance of verifying information through official government channels during public health situations. Health and education authorities continue to monitor influenza-like cases but have not deemed the current situation severe enough to warrant widespread class suspensions.
Local governments retain authority to suspend classes in their jurisdictions based on specific conditions, including weather disturbances like Tropical Storm Ramil, which did prompt legitimate suspensions in some areas on October 20.
As flu season continues, health officials advise standard preventive measures such as proper handwashing, mask-wearing when symptomatic, and staying home when ill—while emphasizing that social media users should remain vigilant against misleading health announcements that lack official verification.
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8 Comments
Impersonating government agencies to spread false information is very concerning. I hope the authorities investigate the source of this misleading Facebook post and take appropriate action to prevent such deception in the future.
Agreed. Accountability for those spreading misinformation is important to deter similar tactics in the future.
While some local areas did cancel classes, it was due to a tropical storm, not health issues. Distinguishing truth from fiction is critical, especially around sensitive topics like public policy decisions. Kudos to the fact-checkers for setting the record straight.
This is an important fact check. It’s good to see the government quickly addressing misinformation about nationwide class suspensions. Verifying official sources is crucial to prevent the spread of false claims, especially during public health concerns.
Misleading posts on social media can cause unnecessary panic. I’m glad the authorities clarified that no presidential order was issued to suspend classes due to influenza-like illnesses. Transparency from official channels helps maintain public trust.
It’s reassuring to see the government swiftly correct the record on this issue. Maintaining clear communication and transparency during public health situations is crucial to avoid unnecessary panic and confusion.
This fact check highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it relates to government policies that impact the public. I’m glad the authorities took the time to provide a detailed response and clarify the facts.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is an essential service to combat the spread of misinformation, which can have serious consequences, especially in sensitive areas like public health.