Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) have filed criminal charges against four individuals for allegedly sharing false information on social media on COVID-19 which caused panic to some.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group identified the first suspect as Maria Diane Serrano, a resident of Brgy. Banaynay in Cabuyao City, Laguna.
Authorities said Serrano caused panic in their area after she claimed that a patient positive for COVID-19 was admitted and died at the Global Medical Center Inc. of Cabuyao last February 2020.
The three other suspects were identified as Fritz John Menguito, Sherlyn Solis, and Mae Ann Pino, all from Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. Police said the three were “responsible for spreading unverified and false information on COVID-19 outbreak.”
All four suspects are now facing charges of violating the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
PNP Spokesperson BGen. Bernard Banac warned that “the PNP is dead serious to continue to take countermeasures against misinformation through cyber patrol operations and monitoring on all social media platforms.”
“Time and again, we urge the public to refrain from posting and sharing unreliable and unverified reports and information on the pandemic that may cause panic and fear…especially if committed during a period of national emergency,” Banac said.
Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the law that will grant him emergency powers to solve the COVID-19 crisis in the country. Among the provisions included is a two-month jail sentence or a fine of ₱10,000 to ₱1 million for anyone who will create or spread false information about the crisis.
