PNP files charges vs 4 alleged COVID-19 fake news purveyors

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday filed criminal charges against four suspects for allegedly spreading fake news and information about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group identified the suspects as Maria Diane Serrano from Cabuyao City and Fritz John Menguito, Sherlyn Solis, and Mae Ann Pino from Lapu-Lapu City.

The PNP said Serrano caused panic in her city for claiming that a COVID-19-positive patient died at the Global Medical Center Inc. last month.

Meanwhile, the three Lapu-Lapu residents were allegedly responsible for spreading unverified and false information on COVID-19.

The PNP said the suspects are now facing charges for violating the Anti-Cybercrime Law and the “Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances” under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Time and again, we urge the public to refrain from posting and sharing unreliable and unverified reports and information on the pandemic that may cause panic and fear,” PNP Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said.

Police earlier nabbed a barangay chairman in Marikina City and an optometrist in Cebu for allegedly spreading fake news about COVID-19.

However, groups have raised concerns about the anti-fake news provision in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which they said could be used by government officials to punish those with legitimate criticisms amid the COVID-19 threat.  —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News