FACT-CHECK: Facebook page spreads disinformation post on fake lockdowns and class suspensions

CLAIM: Declarations of lockdowns and class suspensions due to typhoons, earthquake, and an influenza outbreak.

RATING: FALSE

A Facebook page named “DSWD Television” has been posting false announcements about updates in preparation for a major earthquake, class suspensions because of a supposed flu outbreak, and tropical cyclones “Quedan,” “Ramil,” and a made-up typhoon “Rome.”

Flagged Content: Facebook posts and AI-generated videos and reels reported false declarations of lockdowns and class suspensions.

One of its videos falsely claimed that four typhoons will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the height of the tropical storm “Ramil.” The caption reads, “BAGYO ANNOUNCEMENT APAT NA BAGYO ANG PAPASOK SA BANSA NGAYONG BUWAN MAG INGAT PO.”
Also, a Facebook post falsely claimed that there are no classes starting October 20 until October 25 for the people to prepare for an incoming magnitude 10 earthquake. The caption reads, “WALANG PASOK ADVISORY! PAG HAHANDA SA LINDOL! WALANG PASOK OCTOBER 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.”
All videos and reels were made with the use of AI, including AI-generated newscasters and anchors, to disseminate misleading claims.
For every post, there were possible links to a phishing scam.

Our Debunk: No imposed lockdowns and class suspensions were announced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The DSWD does not have the mandate to suspend classes in schools. Only local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have legal mandates to suspend classes. These are found in the following legal documents: Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012, DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2022, and CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2012.
According to the USGS, earthquakes of magnitude 10 or larger cannot happen.
In a Facebook reel, the Department of Health (DOH) made it clear that the rising cases of influenza-like illness are just because of the flu season; there is no influenza outbreak happening in the Philippines.
The Facebook page “DSWD Television” was created only on September 3, 2025. The page is also subscribed to Meta to authenticate it, an attempt to solidify its claim that it is a credible news source.

Rewind: Government agencies Phivolcs, Pagasa, and DOH give regular updates about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, the weather and public health issues.

On Sept. 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City, Cebu, where at least 79 people were killed.
On Oct. 10, 2025, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit Davao Oriental Offshore.
On Oct. 19, 2025, Tropical Storm “Ramil” passed by Manila Bay, leaving Signal No. 2 up in Metro Manila.
On Oct. 20, 2025, a DOH Facebook post confirmed that there was no influenza outbreak.
On Oct. 21, 2025, several local government units announced the suspension of classes due to Tropical Storm Ramil and the rise of Influenza-like illness.

Why we fact-checked this: The “DSWD Television” Facebook page spreads false information about issues relevant to the public..

One of their videos about the suspension of classes has more than 3,700,000 views, 69,000 reactions, and 21,000 shares.
As of writing, the Facebook page has 987,000 followers.

Spot the fake: Follow credible news sources to gather information.

Check and verify sources.
News regarding class suspensions and weather updates should be obtained from authorized officials.
Any Facebook page that has a verified badge does not necessarily mean it is a credible source of information. Francis Mediavillo

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