Several fanpages of Duterte, such as “Duterte News Global,” “Duterte Warriors,” “Pres. Duterte Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago,”” have shared the news that the Japanese government has pledged 10 battalions of soldiers to help defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group.
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But this isn’t the first time this fake news has circulated online. It was also shared by “Duterte News Global” and “Inday Sara Supporters” on December 29, 2016.
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This news has been sourced from different sites ranging from dutertemedia.com to ph-newsportal.blogspot.com but all contain the same content.
According to the article, this piece of information just came in and is considered classified. Apparently, Japan has pledged eight battalions of Japanese soldiers to lend a hand in the suppression of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in the country.
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This help was offered about 24 hours after the Davao City bombing incident at the night market that led to the death of 14 and injured about 70 people.
The report said that Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe contacted President Rodrigo Duterte and extended the aid of their soldiers anytime Duterte gives his approval.
No other information has been put out regarding this news as sources from the Malacañang has notified reporters to keep this a secret until the President verifies it for himself.
Solid Duterte supporters who have heard of the good news have been rejoicing with the information that this aid consists of more than 8,000 soldiers and a fleet of tanks and helicopters.
Rumor has it that the Japanese Prime Minister admires the Philippine President’s war against crime, drugs and corruption; hence, he is very happy to help.
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Although help from another country is more than welcome in the Philippines, it is noticeable that there are inconsistencies in this piece of information.
The headline states that Japan is pledging 10 battalions to the Philippines but the news states 8 instead. Moreover, if the Palace has told reporters to keep it “hush-hush” because it “still needs to be confirmed” then, why is the news being spread by numerous pages and is asking others to share it further?
In addition, dutertemedia.com has been identified as a source of fake news by Meme Buster; while other links such as newstrend.ph even redirect to 404 errors upon clicking.
Dutertemedia.com also relied on a blogspot, theduterteffect.blogspot.com, as its source.
Although, Japan lending 8 or 10 battalions may be false, it is reported that they will be taking part in this year’s Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the United States.
According to Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura, “For this year’s Balikatan, the Japanese Self-Defense Force is going to attend.”
Source: (globalnation.inquirer.net)
Be Informed. Beat the Trolls, Share the Truth!
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