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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
The rise in influenza-like cases are within normal range for the flu season, according to the Department of Health; there are no official announcements about mandatory face mask use or lockdowns because of it
Claim: The government is imposing mandatory face mask use in public areas and lockdowns in parts of the Philippines due to an influenza outbreak.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: Several posts bearing variations of the false claim have been circulating on Facebook, with the most popular one gaining 2.4 million views, 26,000 reactions, 15,000 shares, and 1,700 comments.
The pages that posted these claims present themselves as the alleged television network of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The posts use similar captions and videos, with news anchors announcing the face mask rule and lockdowns. The areas supposedly affected by the lockdown are not mentioned directly in the post, although users are directed to click on the post’s links for more details.
The facts: While there has been a rise in influenza-like cases, the Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that there is no outbreak since the increase in cases is within the normal expected range for the flu season.
DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said that the number of cases of influenza-like illnesses logged from January to September this year reached 121,716 — lower than last year’s 135,538 cases for the same period.
No official announcements have been made on the DOH’s website and social media pages about mandatory face mask use or lockdowns. The misleading posts do not provide a list of areas where the supposed lockdown and mandatory mask use are imposed. The Department of the Interior and Local Government and news reports make no mention of such orders, either.
The videos used to bolster the false posts’ claims were also flagged by AI detection tool Sight Engine as 99% likely to be AI-generated.
Phishing risk: A URL scanner shows that the links attached to these posts lead to unofficial blog sites. Interacting with these websites may expose users to phishing risks. (READ MORE: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
Class suspensions: The false claims began circulating after the Department of Education suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila on October 13 and 14, citing an influenza-like illness outbreak and the need for building inspections following recent earthquakes in parts of the country.
Some colleges in Metro Manila and other areas have also made similar class suspension announcements.
Amid the education department’s decision to suspend classes, the DOH insists that the recent increase in cases is part of the seasonal flu during the colder “ber” months. Responding to the class suspension announcement, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the move may help limit flu transmission, but added that it should have been properly coordinated with health authorities to prevent alarm among the public.
Previous fact-checks: Rappler has previously debunked several false claims about disease outbreaks:
- FACT CHECK: No news report about new COVID-19 variant in PH
- FACT CHECK: No news report about Metro Manila lockdown due to mpox
- FACT CHECK: Suspension of classes due to mpox cases on June 16, 2025 is fake
- FACT CHECK: GCQ in Metro Manila due to mpox is false
- FACT CHECK: No proof that Pride Month causes mpox outbreak
– Shay Du/Rappler.com
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to the #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
