PNP forms JAKAC, JAFNAC to combat kidnapping, fake news

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established two specialized committees -- the Joint Anti-Kidnapping Action Committee (JAKAC) and the Joint Anti-Fake News Action Committee (JAFNAC) -- to address rising incidents of kidnapping and misinformation.

Led by Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, JAKAC will focus on investigating organized kidnap-for-hire operations following the successful resolution of the Anson Que case with three suspects in custody and two still at large.

Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez heads JAFNAC to combat fake news that threatens public trust and national stability, particularly after recent unverified reports about high-profile kidnappings caused alarm online.

PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the proactive nature of these committees under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas initiative, aiming to ensure law and truth prevail.

The PNP has been actively debunking false information and pursuing those responsible for spreading unverified reports about alleged kidnappings, with JAFNAC working alongside JAKAC to coordinate responses across all platforms.

JAKAC will lead several units of the PNP to assist the existing Anti-Kidnapping group in identifying, suppressing, and neutralizing organized kidnap-for-hire operations.