Facebook apologises to the Philippines for use of inverted flag

SOCIAL media giant Facebook on Sunday apologised to the Philippines for using an inverted flag in its Independence Day greeting over the weekend.

The greeting showed a Philippine flag with the red colour on top and blue at the bottom.

However, the combination brings meaning that the country is officially at war.

Instead, the blue should be on top and red at the bottom.

“This was unintentional, and we’re sorry. We care deeply about the community in the Philippines and, in an attempt to connect people on Independence Day, we made a mistake,” said Facebook in a statement to local daily Philippine Star.

It also included a button where Facebook users were able to share greetings to their friends.

The mistake got the attention of local netizens, which then explained about the exact positioning of the colours.

Dear @facebook please change the Philippine flag you posted. Red on top means the country is at war. Blue should be on top! Apologize too.
— NEY (@neyvillasenor) June 12, 2016

DEAR FACEBOOK: Please do change or apologize for this inverted flag of the Philippines! We are not on a war! pic.twitter.com/NRnAPizU45
— ianLK1 (@ianLK1) June 12, 2016

Some jokingly said that Facebook has declared Philippines is at war.

pic.twitter.com/BVdajsiwtJ
— Jazz Rosende (@allthisjazz) June 12, 2016

.@facebook seems to think the Philippines is at war. pic.twitter.com/9Dia5KJc8n
— City Promdi (@yourcitypromdi) June 12, 2016

Hi @facebook the red on top of blue signifies that the Philippines is at war. Pls check ur facts 1st #Kalayaan2016 pic.twitter.com/4HymTIMm2A
— Danise Subong (@BoyTuhod) June 12, 2016

The Philippines celebrated its Independence Day on Sunday, to commemorate its Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.