PNP clarifies cases to be faced by people who post fake news on coronavirus

February 6, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday clarified the cases that may faced by people who spread fake news with regards to the 2019 novel coronavirus, its spokesman said.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said they take note on the correction made by the PNP- Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG) as the Presidential Decree 90 or Declaring Unlawful Rumor-Mongering and Spreading False Information was repealed in 1986.

“However, there remains an applicable law against spreading of fake news,” Banac said.

He said people who share fake news may be charged of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175, otherwise known as the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

“Thus, PNP urges social media users to exercise caution and avoid sharing unofficial, unvalidated and unverified reports or face arrest,” Banac said.

On Wednesday, PNP warned the public after the PNP-ACG reported about monitoring six fake news posted on social media.

“Please avoid spreading unofficial, unverified and unvalidated information on nCoV or face arrest,” Banac said.

PNP- ACG said they are monitoring alleged fake posts and are coordinating with Facebook Philippines administrator. Ella Dionisio/DMS