From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Oct 20): Public warned against unverified messages
THE Crisis Management Committee (CMC) has reiterated its call to the public not to pass on unverified text messages that may cause panic and confusion among Zamboanga residents.
Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made the call anew as text messages warning about presence of lawless elements in the villages once again alarmed the public that led to the shortening of classes in some schools in the city.
“Again, please refrain from forwarding unverified text messages. Get your facts straight and accurate from police hotline number 117 or 166 or through police stations near you. Always remain calm but vigilant,” Salazar said.
“The people have been traumatized and to have these unverified messages circulated will only worsen the situation,” she added.
City administrator Antonio Orendain, Jr. said misinformation caused the confusion in the schools, adding that administrators and principals of institutions should exercise prudence in their actions.
Orendain said police and military forces are deployed to safeguard the schools, vital installations, and other places of convergence and to foil any attempts from lawless elements.
Village officials and force multipliers have also been tasked to augment security in their respective areas of responsibility.
Salazar said on Sunday that classes in all levels both in public and private schools in Zamboanga city will continue on Monday, October 21.
Curfew will still be implemented from 12 midnight to 4 a.m.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/10/20/public-warned-against-unverified-messages-309606
Could these text messages be part of an organized disinformation effort designed to help maintain a psychological climate of fear in Zamboanga City?? Low risk way for MNLF to sow fear/chaos in the city without risking another major military defeat.
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