THE public is urged to refrain from posting fake news on social media in the light of the coronavirus disease (Covid–19) pandemic on social media or face arrest.
Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkalinawan, Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR) regional director explained the Cyber Crime Division is monitoring those spreading fake news on social media in the region including those who may be tagged as rumor mongers which spreads wrong information to the public, creating panic.
“There is a time for reckoning. The public is requested to send screenshots of fake information and send this immediately to us for proper investigation and for them to face charges,” Pagkalinawan said.
Those found guilty of spreading fake news may face violations of Republic Act 10175 or the anti-Cyber Crime law.
Pagkalinawan added the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters reported an individual from Caraga Region was charged for the alleged spread of false information on his Facebook account saying there are two Covid-19 cases in their area.
“You are not helping but the PNP will go after you. We advise the public to send us the cell number and other details of those who passed the fake information,” the regional director stated.
PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa earlier tasked the police force’s anti-cybercrime group to trace those spreading false information online.
“This is a warning to everybody because based on the Revised Penal Code, as amended on stiffer penalties under Republic Act No. 10951, violators can be punished by disseminating and posting fake news which we again discourage people to do,” Pagkalinawan added.