National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Director Guillermo Eleazar dismissed as “fake news” reports circulating online that he was scolded by a Chinese official who accompanied Chinese President Xi Jingping on his two-day state visit.

“Fake news […] Actually, the Chinese official was thanking me for the security arrangement we unfolded. Modestly, I was telling him we were just doing our job and reciprocating the excellent security coverage they provided when our own president was in China,” the NCRPO chief said.

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In a Facebook post by Bantay Nakaw Coalition, Eleazar was seen talking with a visibly distraught Chinese official during the second day of Xi’s state visit.

“Takot na takot na nagpaliwanag si NCRPO Dir. Eleazar sa isang nagagalit na Chinese official matapos syang ipatawag at ipagpaliwanag kung bakit hinayaan ng PNP na magprotesta ang mga Pilipino sa harap ng Chinese Consulate,” Bantay Nakaw Coalition’s post said.

The post has garnered more than 2,000 reactions and 3,000 shares as of now.

Eleazar clarified that the Chinese official appeared to be smirking because of the heat.

“Di sya galit at all. Maaraw lang kaya mukhang nakasimangot,” he explained.

Eleazar also dispelled reports that his conversation with the Chinese official took place at the Chinese Consulate in Makati, as the photo was taken in the vicinity of the Rizal Park. He said he merely informed the Chinese official that they are allowing protest rallies.

“As for the rally near the Consulate, he did not ask about it. I just told him that here in the Philippines, we are lenient with protesters conducting demonstrations as guaranteed by our Constitution,” he noted.

“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. In fact, even during the past 3 SONAS (state of the nation addresses) our President, we allowed demonstrators and protesters and hindi ako natinag o nasindak kahit sino pang protester gusto mag rally,” he added.

Eleazar also reminded netizens spreading inaccurate information online that they may be slapped with libel under R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

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“Given this fake news fad, I would like to inform the public that netizens who post such fallacies are liable for cyber libel, which is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment. Stop or risk getting caught and arrested,” he warned. /muf

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