PNP urges public not to spread unverified info amid public health emergency

The Philippine National Police (PNP) called on the public to refrain from spreading unvalidated reports on social media which may only sow fear among citizens during this period of public health emergency.

In a statement issued Friday, PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is now tracing those who had spread misinformation on social media about alleged robbery in McKinley Hill, Taguig City and Binondo, Manila as well as the alleged public unrest in San Andres, Manila, noting that all of these were found to be hoax reports.

"Our laws provide stiff penalties for persons who will propagate false reports, especially if committed during a period of national emergency," Gamboa said.

"Rest assured police and military security forces and on top of the situation and ready to respond to any calls for assistance from the public," Gamboa added.

In a separate interview on GMA News' Unang Balita, PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac warned the public that those who spread fake news could be charged for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.

"Ang PNP nga po ay nababahala dahil ang ating mga kababayan na nasa kani-kanilang mga tahanan ay naghahanap ng paraan para aliwin ang mga sarili..." Banac said.

"Patuloy na pinapaverify ng ating Anti-Cybercrime Group ang mga posts na 'to, 'yung sharing sa social media para malaman natin kung sino ang nagpapakalat nito at sino ang mga source..." he added.

Meanwhile, the police organization ensured that more mobile patrol units would be deployed for anti-criminality and police visibility operations in the vicinity of commercial centers and residential communities to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the present situation.

"Although we have not received validated reports of crime incidents in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas, we are nonetheless alerting our field units to take preemptive action," Gamboa said. — RSJ, GMA News