Palace slams proliferation of false info amid COVID-19 scare

Malacañang on Friday warned the public against false information circulating on social media about the public health emergency in connection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “there has been a sudden surge of fake and alarming news of alleged crime incidents or planned crimes to be committed.”

“They create panic, confusion and fear among our people. We denounce the proliferation of such false narratives,” he said.

“We ask the citizenry to be discerning on what they read on social media and not to readily believe them.”

The Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation said they would go after those who spread misinformation online.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 13.  Strict measures, including restrictions on travel and the closure of most establishments, have been imposed during the quarantine period.

“We encourage our people to keep calm and stay vigilant. Rest assured that the government is here to protect everyone and is working for their safety and well being,” Panelo said. --Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News