Duterte to PNP: Arrest travelers who present fake COVID-19 test results

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night warned travelers against presenting fake negative COVID-19 test results particularly at the country's tourist spots.

At his weekly address to the nation, Duterte directed the PNP, Department of Tourism and all local government units to arrest those who would do so and enforce strict compliance on protocols on local tourism.

"'Wag ho ninyong gawin 'yan at makokompromiso kayo. Pati 'yung gastos ninyo. Kindly check twice over where you have genuine certificate,"Duterte said.

"Arrest those presenting fake tests and enforce strict compliance of protocols of local tourist," he added, addressing the authorities.

He told concerned government agencies to not be afraid to file sanctions against individuals caught faking COVID-19 tests.

Earlier, the PNP said those arrested for faking COVID-19 tests would face charges for falsification of public documents and violation of the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

A fine of up to P50,000 and imprisonment of at least a month but not more than six months will also be imposed on the violators for forging COVId-19 test results.

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.”—NB, GMA News