THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is stepping up its efforts in checking those coming into the province after it was discovered that fake reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are still prevalent.
Zeaphard Caelian, head of the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT), said they discovered some websites offering fake RT-PCR tests for travelers with functioning quick response or QR codes, where data also appears.
When texted, the system also replies back, he said.
Caelian reiterated that they still have ways to know if the RT-PCR test being submitted is fake.
They are contacting directly the laboratory who performed the test and check if the name of the individual in question is on their list, he said.
The PIMT head reminded travelers attempting to enter the province not to transact with individuals who are processing fake documents, saying they are not only endangering themselves and the public but also their own families.
The province previously caught several individuals who have faked either their RT-PCR tests or their travel documents.
Submitting fake RT-PCR test results can earn a person criminal charges, which include falsification of public documents and violating provisions of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Act.