Authorities say audio clip on social media urging people to buy food supplies is fake news

April 20, 2020

Authorities on Monday debunked an audio clip giving warning for a possible lockdown and urging the public to start stocking food supplies.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, the Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, said this just fake news being spread through text messages and chat groups.

“PNP debunks this latest audio disinformation giving warning to stock up food that will last for a week in case the President (Rodrigo Duterte) would announce imposition of Martial Law,” Banac said.

He warned those who are spreading misinformation that they will be arrested.

 “Our cybercops will be in full gear to address this continuing struggle against fake news proliferators and online scammers in the time of deadly contagion.  We will arrest these cyber criminals to stop their illegal activities online that may cause harm, confusion, and panic among our people,” Banac said.

Banac urged the netizens and social media users to be alert and avoid sharing or posting unverified information.

In a live briefing, Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya told the public to not rely on social media in gathering information or news about the COVID-19 situation.

“When I heard the audio, I already know it’s fake news because the President has not given his directive yet,” Malaya said.

“There are many fake news spreading… we remind the public to not rely on social media for news, social media is not a reliable tool,” he said.

Malaya said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group is  investigating the  audio clip to arrest the person spreading fear and panic.

According to PNP, they arrested 49 purveyors of false information and online scammers. Ella Dionisio/DMS