By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against spreading fake news during the current COVID-19 national health emergency as it reported the arrest of 32 persons across the country for allegedly posting false information on social media.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. General Bernard Banac (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO
Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said that 24 cases were initiated by the PNP anti-cybercrime group (ACG) while the other arrests were conducted by local police offices and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“Again, we ask the public (to desist from) spreading false information, unverified reports and other forms of disinformation that may affect overall unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Banac.
He said that those arrested were charged for violating Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended in relation to Sec 4c4 (Online Libel) and Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
“We will be relentless in taking countermeasures on misinformation and spread of fake reports by conducting cyber patrol operations on social media and other online platforms,” said Banac.
Banac said the public should cooperate in the enforcement of quarantine measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. (Aaron Recuenco)
Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. General Bernard Banac (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO
Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said that 24 cases were initiated by the PNP anti-cybercrime group (ACG) while the other arrests were conducted by local police offices and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
“Again, we ask the public (to desist from) spreading false information, unverified reports and other forms of disinformation that may affect overall unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Banac.
He said that those arrested were charged for violating Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended in relation to Sec 4c4 (Online Libel) and Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
“We will be relentless in taking countermeasures on misinformation and spread of fake reports by conducting cyber patrol operations on social media and other online platforms,” said Banac.
Banac said the public should cooperate in the enforcement of quarantine measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. (Aaron Recuenco)