NBI concludes COVID-19 ‘fake news’ probe involving Mocha Uson, others

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has concluded its investigation into complaints of false information related to COVID-19, in which Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson and other netizens were involved.

NBI Cybercrime Division chief Victor Lorenzo confirmed the development in a text message to GMA News Online on Sunday.

“For evaluation pa lang yung mga cases for fake news," Lorenzo said.

"Wait kami sa final evaluation whether we file or close ang cases on fake news," he added.

The NBI summoned Uson last month in connection with an investigation into "fake news" ordered by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

In Uson's case, she was required to appear in relation to a post published on her Facebook page about the delivery of some 15,000 sets of personal protective equipment purchased by the Department of Health.

One of the photos she used in the post, however, turned out to be one from SM Foundation.

Uson has since apologized for the "misleading content."

Apart from Uson, the NBI had also summoned a social media user who allegedly claimed in a Facebook post that the government purchased a P2-billion private jet instead of providing health care for Filipinos.

The NBI had been tasked to look into "fake news" posts related to COVID-19 either reported to them by the public or monitored by operatives. — with Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/BM, GMA News