FridayOL

Manila, Philippines – Manila City Hall is facing a digital crisis as its official Facebook page appears to be under unauthorized control, prompting Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso to take swift action. The city’s Public Information Office (PIO) claims the page has been effectively “held hostage,” hindering their ability to communicate vital information to Manila residents.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mayor Moreno has instructed city officials to formally lodge a complaint with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, requesting immediate access and restoration of control over the compromised page. The page, a crucial platform for disseminating announcements, updates on city services, and emergency alerts, has become inaccessible to authorized Manila City Hall personnel.

“This is unacceptable,” stated Mayor Moreno in a press conference. “Our Facebook page is a vital lifeline for our constituents. Depriving them of access to this channel of communication is a disservice to the people of Manila. We need Meta to prioritize this issue and restore our access immediately.”

The PIO suspects unauthorized access and control, raising concerns about potential misuse of the platform to spread misinformation or disrupt city operations. The page boasts a significant following, with hundreds of thousands of Manila residents relying on it for official updates.

What Happened?

Details surrounding the exact nature of the compromise remain unclear, but the PIO confirmed they are working closely with Meta’s security team to investigate the incident. Initial reports suggest that unauthorized changes were made to the page's settings, effectively locking out the city's administrators.

The Impact on Manila Residents

The loss of access to the Facebook page has already created challenges for the city government. Important announcements regarding traffic advisories, vaccination schedules, and other crucial information are now being disseminated through alternative channels, potentially reaching a smaller audience.

“We are exploring every avenue to ensure our residents remain informed,” assured a city official. “While we work with Meta to resolve this issue, we will continue to utilize our website, radio stations, and other platforms to keep everyone updated.”

Moreno's Demand to Meta

Mayor Moreno's directive to formally write Meta underscores the seriousness of the situation. The letter is expected to detail the unauthorized access, the impact on Manila residents, and the urgent need for Meta to intervene and restore control of the page.

“We trust that Meta will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves,” Moreno emphasized. “The people of Manila deserve to have access to accurate and timely information from their city government.”

The incident highlights the growing importance of social media platforms for government communication and the vulnerabilities that can arise when these platforms are compromised. Manila City Hall's experience serves as a cautionary tale for other government agencies relying on social media to connect with their constituents. The city is hoping for a swift resolution from Meta to regain control of its crucial communication channel and ensure the continued flow of information to the citizens of Manila.