QC police arrest woman for 'fake news'


A woman was arrested by police for allegedly spreading "fake news" or false information on Facebook that the Quezon City government is supposedly giving away P3,000 every day to its constituents.

(Unsplash / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified her as Ma. Cecilia Angeles Raymundo, who went on social by the name of Macie Angeles. She was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for violating the Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 97 Judge Rochelle Manuel issued the warrant against her "after the pieces of evidence were confirmed, verified, documented and presented" by police.

The charge against her came after QCPD's cybercrime team "intercepted" her social media post in which she claimed she received P3,000 cash and a hygiene kit from Mayor Joy Belmonte.

"Araw-araw may 3k kada household at hygiene kit. Pwede na! Mayor wala ka naman sigurong sakit noh? (P3,000 and a hygiene kit every day for every household. Not bad! Mayor Belmonte, are you sure you are feeling well?),” her post also read, according to police.

QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Daniel Macerin reminded the public to be mindful of their social posts as spreading "fake news" has corresponding punishments.