PNP denies alleged raid on hospitals to get PPEs

April 2, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday denied that the government raided hospitals to confiscate their personal protective equipment (PPEs), saying reports circulating on social media are “fake news”.

“That is not true,” said PNP deputy chief for operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar in a radio interview.

Eleazar is also the commander of Joint Task Force Covid Shield.

Eleazar said a lot of fake news are circulating on social media as using this has become the leisure of people who are staying at home.

Screenshots of messages were circulating over social media saying police raided hospitals, including Medical City, and confiscated their PPEs to be repackaged and distributed by a senator to other hospitals.

The hospital denied the allegations, saying no such incident happened to their establishment last April 1.

“We deny this and encourage everyone to be careful in spreading unverified information,” it said.

The lawmaker mentioned in the alleged fake news, Senator Bong Go denied the allegations.

“Claims circulating that I am involved in handling donations intended for the government are utterly false, deliberate disinformation, and black propaganda,” Go said in a statement.

Eleazar said the Task Force COVID Kontra Peke (Against Fake) will run after these people who are circulating fake news, which is causing fear and panic.

“We will make sure that any individuals or groups spreading fake news will face consequences,” he said.

He also reminded the public to be vigilant and not forward information that they think is fake news.

“You are helping these people in circulating (fake news)… In a way, you are responsible on the actions of these people,” Eleazar said.

Eleazar warned these people they will hunt them even after the enhanced community quarantine ends. Ella Dionisio/DMS