Case build-up ongoing vs. those behind Medical City 'raid' info

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Friday said case build-up is ongoing against those behind the information that a hospital has been raided by authorities to confiscate their medical supplies.

"Case build-up operations are underway against the authors of the most recent fake news item on Facebook that reported the alleged police raid at The Medical City where some pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were allegedly confiscated," Gamboa said in a statement.

According to Gamboa, the fake news initially circulated in a private chat group called "Chevening Alumni-Ph."

On Thursday, screenshots of messages circulated on social media stating that police raided hospitals and confiscated medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPEs).

The Office of Civil Defense, tasked as the main coordinating body for all donations to the government intended for COVID-19 response, denied this information. The management of the Medical City said no such raid happened.

Gamboa underscored that misinformation was not helping the public during this time of public health crisis due to COVID-19. "Fake news is a crime that we must not allow to affect our lives, especially not at this moment or any other time," he said.

"In this advanced age of digital information, we must exercise discernment to analyse every bit of news through a quick test of reliability of source and reliability of information."

Gamboa reminded the public to validate information that they are receiving, especially if they are not sure about it, noting that government sources are available to check if reports spreading online are true.

According to Gamboa, five suspects have already been arrested for allegedly spreading fake news which have brought fear among the people.

Gamboa said they were among the 24 persons named respondents in 32 complaints filed for inquest or preliminary investigation for violations of law on Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code as Amended in relation to Sec 4c4 (Online Libel) and Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law. --KBK, GMA News