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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Guevarra warns against spreading fake news on nCoV outbreak

Guevarra warns against spreading fake news on nCoV outbreak

Published Feb 5, 2020 12:00 am
By Jeffrey Damicog Those responsible for spreading fake news concerning the 2019 novel Coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) will face prosecution, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra warned on Wednesday, February 5. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Screenshot / RTVM / PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Screenshot / RTVM / PCOO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) "If the intent in causing the publication of false information is to create or aggravate public disorder, or undermine government efforts during a state of public emergency, and such publication is effected by means of information technology, appropriate charges under the Revised Penal Code in relation to the cybercrime prevention law may be filed against perpetrators,” he told reporters. “The nCoV threat is a very serious public concern and no distraction of government efforts to overcome it will be tolerated,” he stressed. The DOJ chief already issued on Tuesday, February 4, Department Order (DO) No. 052 which directed the NBI “to conduct an investigation and case build-up on alleged deliberate spread of misinformation and fake news about the 2019-nCoV ARD and false reporting of 2019-nCoV ARD cases and, if evidence warrants, to file appropriate charges against persons responsible therefor.” Guevarra said the charges that will be filed against these persons will “all depend on the factual circumstances.” The Secretary recounted he took that the initiative to give the NBI directive after the concerns were raised during Tuesday’s Senate inquiry on the virus and after having “personally observed a slew of internet/social media communications that tend to sow panic and confusion regarding this public health issue.” Though he expects freedom of speech issues will be raised in running after these persons behind the fake news, he stressed that “there are limitations to this constitutional right, including the greater interest of the public.” READ MORE: PNP threatens to file cases vs. purveyors of nCoV fake news Guevarra pointed out such fake news was “causing undue panic and alarm in part, but also undermining government efforts for a unified and coordinated approach to a common threat that affects us all.” READ MORE: DOH confirms Chinese woman 3rd case of nCoV in PH
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