The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned social media users to be cautious of photos and videos circulating online that supposedly show the effects of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong)
‘Be discerning, as some of these are deepfake videos that may cause fear or anxiety among our fellow citizens,’ Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Deepfakes are digitally manipulated clips designed to appear authentic.
‘Not everything you see online is true, so we must exercise double caution. Sharing misinformation or fake news on social media can also be dealt with in accordance with the law,’ he added.
Uwan whipped many parts of Luzon over the weekend, leaving at least two individuals dead, the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) situational report said.
The typhoon was last spotted 135 kilometers (km) west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union at 10 a.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Uwan was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 130 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 160 kph while moving west-northwest at 20 kph. -AARYANNA ARAGO, INQUIRER.NET INTERN