DILG orders PNP to arrest, prosecute fakers of RT-PCR tests

The Department of the Interior and the Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take legal actions against persons who are faking COVID-19 test results.

In a statement on Monday, DILG officer-in-charge Undersecretary Bernardo Florece Jr. said these people will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

"The DILG directs the PNP to arrest and prosecute individuals who are forging their RT-PCR tests. This is a crime and is punishable under our law,” he said.

“We are also warning those people planning to fake their test certifications. Huwag n'yo na pong gawin at kung hindi, sisiguraduhin po namin na makukulong kayo,” he added.

Under Republic Act No. 11332, violators may face fine up to P50,000 and imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months.

The law states that “tampering of records relating to notifiable diseases or health events of public health concern, which includes official medical test results or medical certificates, or such other documents and records issued by public health authorities” is punishable by law.

“Huwag po tayong matigas ang ulo. Magpa-test po tayo para sa kabutihan ninyo, ng inyong pamilya, at ng lahat,” he said.

Boracay incident

Florece cited an incident where six Metro Manila residents were barred from entering Boracay Island after presenting fake RT-PCR test certifications. Three of these individuals tested positive.

“Kung nakapasok ang tatlong ito na nagpositibo sa COVID sa Boracay ay mas malaking problema, mas madami pang madadamay sa kalokohan ninyo,” he said.

In January, two tourists were arrested in Boracay after authorities learned that they presented falsified PCR test results.

Last year, four people in Ilocos Norte and two Rizal provincial security officers were arrested for faking their COVID-19 test results.

A print shop in Quezon City and a clinic in Valenzuela were also found to be falsifying results.

“Nakikiusap po kami sa ating mga kababayan, makiisa po tayo, hindi pa po tapos ang pandemya, mahaba pa po ito. We must cooperate or else nakahanda po ang PNP at ang mga pamahalaang lokal na kayo ay arestuhin,” Florece said. — RSJ, GMA News