IN recent days, a channel purporting to be “DSWD TV,” one with 519,000 Facebook followers and another one with 361,000, has been circulating videos warning of four typhoons striking the Philippines beginning October 6, plus two earthquakes and an impending “Big One.” This so-called broadcast is not affiliated with the real DSWD, but its sensational claims are dangerously irresponsible and are sowing panic and misinformation. Social media platforms must act and ban such content to protect public welfare.
First, false disaster alerts are harmful rumors because they generate mass fear and chaos. Past instances of fake typhoon warnings have been debunked. In 2021, a viral claim of an incoming super typhoon was refuted by PAGASA, which confirmed no such forecast existed.
Similarly, social media posts warning of an impending major earthquake have been repeatedly dismissed by PHIVOLCS, which clarified that earthquakes cannot be predicted.
Second, the real DSWD is already fighting misuse of its name. It acknowledges that fake accounts and posts claiming to be DSWD often spread false claims or scam people using the agency’s logo. A “DSWD TV” that spreads disaster falsehoods adds insult to injury because it abuses public trust and undermines real emergency response efforts.
Third, the claims made by “DSWD TV” of multiple typhoons, earthquakes, and even “Big One” warnings are classic fearmongering. None is backed by credible meteorological or seismological evidence or agency statements. Social media fact-checkers and government agencies have warned against similar alarmist posts, but algorithms often allow them to spread viral before being flagged.
When public safety is at stake, platforms must no longer treat such channels as ordinary content. They should remove the videos or label them as misinformation. They should also suspend repeat offenders or remove them from their platforms. Governments and regulation bodies must also empower platforms to act swiftly. The public deserves safety, not sensationalism. “DSWD TV” must be banned from social media before another false warning leads to tragedy.
