PNP warns people who spread fake news on coronavirus will face charges

February 5, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday warned that people who will spread fake news about the 2019 novel coronavirus will face charges.

This after the PNP- Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported that they are monitoring six fake news posted on social media.

“Please avoid spreading unofficial, unverified and unvalidated information on nCoV or face arrest,” said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, in a statement.

“We will not hesitate to file charges against anyone found spreading false information,” he added.

Charges for violating Presidential Decree 90 (declaring unlawful rumor-mongering and spreading false information) or 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 may be slapped to those who will be responsible in sharing fake news.

“Know that penalties may be raised one degree higher if the medium of publication/circulation/distribution is through online,” Banac said.

Earlier, Banac said posting of unvalidated reports caused panic and confusion.

PNP- ACG said they are monitoring alleged fake posts and now coordinating with Facebook Philippines.

“As regards to fake news spreading on (Facebook) news feed, we conduct validation as to the authenticity of the post,” said Police Captain Jeck Robin Gamad, ACG spokesperson.

Gamad said it’s up to the Facebook Philipines administrator if they close down accounts who share fake information on the novel coronavirus. Ella Dionisio/DMS