Facebook accidentally declares Philippines is at war

[Anthea]

Facebook scored a social media own goal by accidentally declaring the Philippines is at war in a post celebrating the country’s Independence Day.

The social network posted a photo of the country's flag with the colours inverted, mistakenly putting the red stripe at the top and blue at the bottom.

“Happy Independence Day! Here’s to all of the Philippines’ health, happiness and prosperity,” Facebook said in the post celebrating the South East Asian country's 118th Independence Day.

As many people were very quick to point out, the Philippines only displays its flag with red at the top when it is in a state of war.

One person wrote: “Facebook says we're at war. Happy Independence Day, Philippines. May we truly be free.”

While another said: “@facebook please correct this. PH flag must be blue over red. Red on top symbolises war.”

A website on Philippines flag facts, explains: “If Philippines is at war, the national flag will be flown upside down with the red band at the top”.

Facebook issued a prompt apology and hastily deleted the post after users contacted them about the error.

“This was unintentional, and we’re sorry," the company said in a statement to The Philippine Star.

“We care deeply about the community in the Philippines and, in an attempt to connect people on Independence Day, we made a mistake.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2 ... is-at-war/