Police arrest 47 for spreading fake news

April 15, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has arrested 47 alleged  purveyors of false information and two  online scammers from March 9 to April 13.

According to Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, forty seven spread fake news and unverified information on social media while two were online scammers of face masks.

PNP-ACG also filed 24 cases against the arrested suspects.

 Banac clarified the recent rumors on standardization of salary pension deemed to be fake spreading through text messages and chat groups.

“PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) said there is no directive or measures on the standardization of salary pensions of PNP or INP (Integrated National Police) retirees claiming to have 29 percent increase effective today, April 15,” he said.

Banac stressed the role of the public by sharing only verified information on social media.

“Our cyber cops will be in full gear to address this continuing struggle against fake news proliferators and online scammers in the time of deadly contagion,” he said.

We will arrest these cyber criminals to stop their illegal activities online that may cause harm, confusion, and panic among our people,” Banac added. Ella Dionisio/DMS