THREE individuals were sued by the Lapu-Lapu City government for allegedly spreading fake news on social media about military personnel reportedly afflicted with the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Three alleged administrators of the Facebook page “Anonymous Lapu-Lapu,” namely Sherlyn Solis, Mae Ann Pino and Fritz Menguito, were sued by the city government before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The complaint was lodged against the three on Thursday afternoon, March 26, 2020.
The three who reportedly manage “Anonymous Lapu-Lapu,” allegedly claimed on their Facebook page on March 15 that a member of the Philippine Army onboard a C130 that arrived in Lapu-Lapu City was afflicted with Covid-19.
Officials of the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City denied the report, saying the fake report even caused panic among some residents living near the base.
Meanwhile, a teenager who allegedly posted photos on social media while defying the 24-hour curfew was apprehended by personnel of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 5 in Barangay Pusok on March 26.
The teen was traced after a complaint was filed against him before Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan.
Aside from the teen, his companion was also being traced by local police as of press time.
Since March 23, the Lapu-Lapu City government has implemented a 24-hour curfew on minors, students and senior citizens aged 65 and above. (NDT / JKV)