Año orders PNP to arrest people posting ”fake news” on coronavirus

February 11, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday reminded the public that freedom of expression has “limitations” as he ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest those found responsible in spreading “fake news” about the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV).

In a statement, Año said he ordered the PNP last Monday to investigate and arrest those who will spread misinformation about the virus to the public.

"We need to put a stop to their nuisance activity. Let's not propagate erroneous information that is more viral than the virus itself. We already have enough on our plate,” Año said.

He added these people only makes things worse.

“We will go after the perpetrators of false information on coronavirus because their acts are inimical to the interest of the general public,” Año said.

The PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group is  verifying six suspected fake news posts on the coronavirus on social media.   

The secretary said the PNP will not hesitate to put behind bars all individuals or groups who are guilty of spreading false information on the issue on various social media platforms.

  "Freedom of expression has limitations, especially when its exercise threatens the welfare of the public. We must put an end to fake news on social media. To those who intend to spread fake news, stop now before we lock you up," Año warned.

According to Interior undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) itself was a victim of fake news when an infographic allegedly coming from the department was created and distributed last Friday alleging they decided to place under mandatory quarantine all travelers from 23 countries who have confirmed nCoV cases.

  “The unauthorized and patently illegal infographic went viral and caused panic among travelers who wanted to cancel their travel plans because of the misrepresentation of these people. It has become absurd and worrisome,” he said.

  “Again, we urge the public to trust only official sources of information and to verify first before sharing. Think first before you click,” Malaya added.

  He said that the PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which investigates crimes using Information and Communications Technology (ICT), is capable of tracing and tracking fake news perpetrators on the internet. 

"The PNP-ACG is working hard to detect the whereabouts of these law offenders. We expect arrests to be made soon," said Malaya.

  Malaya said Article 154 on the "Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances” of the Revised Penal Code punishes perpetrators of fake news.

The same provision penalizes a person who causes the publication of any false news which may endanger the public order, or cause damage to the interest or credit of the State.  Violators face imprisonment of one to six months and a fine ranging from P40, 000 to P200,000.

They could also be punished under the Republic Act 10175,  known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

  "These laws are created for a reason -- to punish law offenders," said Malaya. Ella Dionisio/DMS