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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Claim: A photo circulating on social media shows a crocodile recently caught in the Philippines.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: The picture can be found in a January 22 post on the Facebook page “Jay sonza” by the former broadcaster bearing the same name. The accompanying text states: “ISA-ISA NANG NAHUHULI SILA. Ang unang malaking buwaya ay nahuli sa Tawi-tawi. Ang ikalawang nahuling malaking buwaya ay sa Cavite.”
(One by one they are caught. The first big crocodile was caught in Tawi-Tawi. The second big crocodile caught was in Cavite.)
The caption does not indicate whether the photo included in the post shows the alleged capture of the crocodile in Cavite, or if the image was referring to the supposed incident in Tawi-Tawi.
The caption adds: “Ngayon, unti-unti nang nahuhulog sa BITAG ang malalaki at tila walang kabusugang buwaya malapit sa kanto ng Batasan at Litex Road, Quezon City.”
(Now, large and seemingly insatiable crocodiles near the corner of Batasan and Litex Road, Quezon City, are gradually falling into the trap.)
As of writing, the post has around 1,900 reactions, 290 comments, and 115 shares.
The facts: The post does not show a real image of a live crocodile, but an animatronic prop representing the character Dakila from the GMA TV show Lolong, now in its second season. The picture matches images found on a post dated January 17 and a video reel dated January 18 posted on the GMA Public Affairs Facebook page. The crocodile prop was indeed brought to a fish port in Cavite, according to the posts.
Misleading: The post’s caption, paired with the photo presented without additional context about the origin or nature of the image, can mislead social media users into believing that it shows a real crocodile.
The post appears to be using the photo for political commentary with its reference to “crocodiles” in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, where the House of Representatives is located. In Philippine media, “crocodiles” are used to refer to corrupt politicians.
Previous related fact-check: Rappler has fact-checked a similar claim in 2022 of a crocodile supposedly caught in Antipolo. It was also an animatronic prop from the same television show.
Rappler has also fact-checked several claims by Sonza since 2018. The former broadcaster has previously been slapped with a libel case and now faces a potential new suit after Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Brigadier General Nicolas Torre said he plans to file a cyber libel case against Sonza and another vlogger for spreading false information that he has been hospitalized. – Percival Bueser/ Rappler.com
Percival Bueser is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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