The Deparment of Education (DepEd) issued an official statement on Nov. 20 informing the public that they never made any official announcement of class suspensions on Nov. 28 and 29. DepED also enjoined the public to be wary of fake news such as those on social media especially if these did not come from official channels of the department.
Beware Of Fake News
In an Inquirer report, they cited two Facebook pages with the name Walang Pasok Advisory, which claimed that the department announced class suspensions on Nov. 23 and 24, and Nov. 28 and 29. There are currently three pages on on Facebook bearing this name. One of the pages also called @walangpasok.com.ph, continued posting these fake announcements up until Nov. 20.
DepED also called out the page in question which posted two updates claiming no classes on said dates. It also said that the reason why Nov. 28 and 29 were no school days is because of an alleged URRD Education Meeting of Teachers.
Some netizens joined in calling them out but the page claims that its sources are official and that they are spreading fake news. Others also called on other netizens to report the page.
According to the page’s administrator, the Philippine Star was its source of the news. The newspaper however has denied any such involvement or connection with the said Facebook page.
Trust Official Channels Only, Says DepEd
DepED also informed the public that they should only trust announcements that come from official channels. These include the department’s website (www.deped.gov.ph), its official Facebook page (DepEd Philippines) and its official Twitter account (@DepEd_PH).