MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has reiterated its warning to the public about the spread of fake news and disinformation, particularly surrounding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by agents of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

In a press briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is working with law enforcement agencies to track down those spreading false information.

“Talagang dumarami po ang fake news para po malihis ang katotohanan. Kitang-kita po ninyo, kahit po mismo si dating ES (executive secretary Salvador) Medialdea … nakita po natin kung papaano po ba niya nabanggit na nawawala ang dating Pangulong Duterte,” Castro told reporters.

She pointed out that the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is handling Duterte’s case for alleged crimes against humanity in connection to his administration’s drug war, has already refuted Medialdea’s claim that the former president was missing.

“Dapat po ang tao ay magmasid, mag-isip, at matuto pong mag-evaluate para po hindi po nagugulo ang ating isipan at damdamin,” she said, urging the public to be more discerning.

During the same briefing, Castro also dismissed statements from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who alleged that Duterte was not receiving adequate medical care while in detention under ICC authorities.

Quoting an ICC judge, Castro countered the senator’s claim saying that the former president remained mentally aware and fit.

“Kung mayroon pong mga ganitong klaseng haka-haka, muli, katulad ng sinabi ni Senator Bong Go, dapat siguro ay kaniya munang alamin ang katotohanan,” she said, clarifying that doctors were attending to Duterte and that he remained “mentally aware, mentally fit.”

The Palace official also responded to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s claim that authorities were planning a raid on their family’s residence, stating that such reports “can be a part of fake news.” The Philippine National Police has denied any such operation.

As misinformation continued to circulate, Castro acknowledged the role of mainstream media in addressing the issue.

She urged journalists to assist the government in fighting the spread of false information, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting amid the flood of unverified claims online.