Eleazar says FB post about Chinese official berating him for protest “fake news”

November 22, 2018

National Capital Region Police Director Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday denied a post circulating online about a Chinese official scolding him for letting activists stage a protest during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit in Manila.

"Fake news! This made my day. Actually, the Chinese official was thanking me for the security arrangement we unfolded," Eleazar said in a message.

He said he was telling the official about their job and reciprocating the excellent security coverage they provided when President Rodrigo Duterte visited China.

He said the official was not mad, adding the photo was taken at the Rizal Park in Manila on Nov.20 and not outside the Chinese consulate in Makati City as claimed by the social media post.

Eleazar said he was not asked anything about the protest in Makati City.

"I just told him that here in the Philippines, we are lenient with protesters conducting demonstrations as guaranteed by our constitution," he said.

"I added that I even allowed protesters to rally in Makati even without a permit as long as they avoid the engagement areas and routes taken by our visitors," he added.

Because of this, Eleazar reminded the public the fallacies post are liable for "cyber libel".

"Given this fake news fad, I would like to inform the public that netizens who post such fallacies are liable for cyberlibel, which is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment," he said. " Stop or risk getting caught and arrested."  Ella Dionisio/DMS