CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Pampanga Police Provincial Office clarified on Tuesday that there will be no total lockdown on April 15 in the province, contrary to rumors circulating on social media.

On a Facebook Live post, Pampanga police director, Lt. Col. Jean Fajardo said there is no truth to the alleged imposition of a total lockdown, stressing that all markets, groceries, drug stores, and other essential service providers will remain open to the public.

Fajardo said the fake news about the lockdown caused panic, prompting many people to flock to the markets, banks, remittance centers and groceries.

She said the fake news defeated the purpose of social distancing to avoid the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

Despite the implementation of a strict border control in the province, Fajardo said all essential service providers and businesses will remain open daily.

“Huwag kaagad maniniwala sa mga mali at walang-basehan na mga impormasyong kumakalat sa social media, at kumuha lamang ng mga impormasyon mula sa mga lehitimong social media accounts (Do not immediately believe in baseless information circulating on social media.

Get information only from legitimate social media accounts),” Fajardo advised Kapampangans.

Last March 27, the provincial government implemented a lockdown to curb various violations committed during the enhanced community quarantine. (PNA)