PNP to arrest those spreading fake news

March 20, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reiterated their warning that those who are spreading fake news on social media which creates panic will be arrested.

“This is a warning to everybody because based on the Revised Penal Code, as amended on stiffer penalties under Republic Act No. 10951, you can be punished by disseminating, posting fake news,” Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said in a press briefing.

Gamboa said he  tasked the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to trace all accounts who will be found sharing fake or unverified reports.

“So again we discourage people to do this. You are not being of help. The Philippine National Police will go after you, so don’t try (spreading fake news) and we will go after you,” he added.

Gamboa made the warning after alleged reports of robbery and burglary amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon circulated on social media,  causing fear.

Gamboa said there are no reports of theft in the areas where the enhanced community quarantine is being implemented.

Earlier, the head of the National Capital Police Region Office (NCRPO) said they prepared a contingency plan if there will be confirmed reports of looting.

“I would like to reiterate to the public that no such looting was yet reported to have happened in the Metro. The photo circulating in social media showing people who climbed McKinley Hills Subdivision's wall is not true. Meanwhile, the incident in Binondo on March 18, 2020 which was also mistakenly linked to looting was a snatching incident involving one Chinese national and one children in conflict with the law (CICL),” Police Major General Debold Sinas said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, we have a contingency plan for looting to be implemented immediately as soon as possible,” he added. 

Following the directive of Gamboa to prevent looting incidents, Sinas ordered the chiefs of police of the different cities to assure 24/7 security within  alleged targetted supermarkets and areas.

Gamboa ordered more mobile patrols deployed for anti-criminality and police visibility operations in the vicinity of commercial centers, vital establishments and residential communities to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the emergency situation. Ella Dionisio/DMS