San Juan Police Refute Viral Robbery Claims
San Juan City Police Chief Col. Deodennis Marmol firmly denied reports of a robbery and stabbing incident that supposedly took place at a Chinese restaurant inside Greenhills Mall. The claims, which quickly gained traction on social media, involved the Greenhills Mall branch of Lugang Café, where a female customer was allegedly stabbed by robbers after refusing to surrender her phone.
The viral post linked this supposed attack to another robbery that happened earlier in May at a high-end Japanese restaurant in Makati City. However, the police and restaurant management have both dismissed these reports as false.
Restaurant Management Confirms No Incident Occurred
Lugang Café’s management addressed the rumors directly, labeling the circulating information as fake news. In their official statement, they assured the public that no robbery or stabbing had occurred in any of their branches. They emphasized that the safety of their guests and staff remains their highest priority.
“We are aware of a text message currently circulating about an alleged robbery at our Lugang Café O’Square Greenhills branch. We would like to assure everyone that this information is FALSE. No such incident has occurred in any of our stores. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and trust,” the café’s management said.
Police to File Charges Over Fake News
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that they are taking steps to hold accountable those responsible for spreading this false information. Following a directive from the national leadership to maintain public order and fight disinformation, the PNP immediately investigated the claims.
On May 23, personnel from the San Juan City Police Station, working with local security and barangay officials, conducted a physical inspection of Lugang Café’s Greenhills branch. The management denied any incident, describing the reports as malicious.
By the evening of the same day, the café released an official statement through their verified social media channel reiterating that no robbery or stabbing took place and urged the public not to share unverified details.
PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño explained, “The circulating reports of an alleged robbery at Lugang Café in Greenhills, San Juan City, have been confirmed to be entirely false and misleading. We will file appropriate charges against those responsible for initiating and spreading this fake claim. The Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee is conducting a thorough investigation to trace the source.”
Authorities Urge Responsible Use of Social Media
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil reminded the public to exercise caution when using social media platforms. He highlighted that spreading unverified or false information causes needless panic and undermines trust in law enforcement and community institutions.
He stated, “We urge everyone to be responsible in the use of social media. Spreading unverified and false information not only causes public alarm but also undermines the trust in our law enforcement and community institutions. The PNP will not hesitate to file appropriate charges and ensure that those who deliberately spread fake news will be held accountable under the law.”
The police department’s firm stance underlines the government’s commitment to combating misinformation and ensuring public safety.
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