A refreshed take:
Setting the record straight: The creek capsize hoax Debunked
A close look:
Footage allegedly depicts former president Benigno S. Aquino III slipping into a waterway
A sensational video of a politician falling off a creek into the water, initially thought to be former Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, recently resurfaced on social media.
The video spread like wildfire, drawing over 352,000 views, 16,000 reactions, almost 2,000 comments, and 9,146 shares on Facebook.
The misleading video alluded to the incident as a hilarious display by the "DILAWAN" (yellow) political faction. However, a closer look reveals the truth behind the video.
The true tale:
While the initial upload of the video in 2018 may have gone unnoticed, the revival in January 2022 sparked curiosity among netizens. The allegedly capsized boat and its passengers were, in fact, Indian politician Surendra Furtado and his team, including journalists.
A thorough investigation found that the tweet on June 27, 2016, by Asian News International featured the viral video. The tweet mentioned that the video showed Furtado participating in a de-weeding drive along St Inez Creek in Panaji, India. Furthermore, Indian news media company NDTV also reported on this incident in June 2016, detailing Furtado and several officials and journalists overloading a de-weeding machine, built to accommodate only two people at once.
The confusion arose when the misleading title and initial context of the video led many to believe it was Aquino in the creek. However, Aquino's spokesperson Abigail Valte addressed this misinformation in a fact-check article published by Agence France-Presse on October 18, 2018, confirming that the video did not feature the former president. Vera Files also fact-checked the claim on October 30, 2020, further debunking the false narrative.
An insight:
This fact-check serves as a reminder to critically assess information before sharing it, especially when it involves high-profile public figures. Stay vigilant, and help combat the spread of misinformation in your digital community.
Keep us informed about suspicious posts you encounter by contacting [email protected]. Together, let's tackle the battle against disinformation one verified fact at a time!
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The sensational video, initially circulated on social media, mixed entertainment and misinformation by falsely depicting a capsized boat and its passengers as former Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, drawing large engagement. However, a thorough investigation revealed the video actually showcased Indian politician Surendra Furtado and his team in an incident involving a de-weeding drive in India, highlighting the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
