PNP files 121 complaints vs. individuals 'exploiting COVID-19 pandemic'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has filed 121 criminal complaints and charged 80 people in court for different cybercrimes exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said these complaints involved spreading fake news on the internet, illegal online sale of medical supplies, and online scams.

“Patuloy ang pagtugis ng PNP sa mga walang kaluluwang pinagkakakitaan at nanamantala sa pangamba at takot ng ating mga kababayan sa COVID-19,” Eleazar said.

(The PNP continues to hunt down soulless individuals who are making profit and taking advantage of the worry and fear of our countrymen with COVID-19)

From March 9 to August 9, the PNP said its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Anti-Cybercrime Group have filed 87 criminal complaints against 52 persons for spreading fake news.

The suspects are facing complaints in violation of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances as amended to include Online Libel; the Anti-Cybercrime Law; and Presidential Decree No. 90.

Citing reports from the CIDG and the ACG, Eleazar said spreading fake news and unverified information has become more frequent on social media during the pandemic.

“We are appealing to the public to be discerning and wary of fake news,” Eleazar said.

“This is also a stern warning to all individuals or groups spreading false information on various social media platforms. We will go after you and will not hesitate to put you behind bars.”

Three online scam complaints have been against two persons, according to the PNP.

Also, 31 criminal complaints have been filed against 26 persons for online profiteering, overpricing, hoarding and unauthorized selling of medical supplies in different Prosecutor’s Offices nationwide.

Seized from the unauthorized online sellers were gallons of disinfectant, vitamin C capsules, forehead thermometers, face masks, and several liters of isopropyl alcohol, the PNP said.

Eleazar said the PNP has intensified its monitoring of cybercrimes as most people are compelled to log on the internet for school, office work, and business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Binabalaan ko ang mga manloloko at mapagsamantala sa kapwa na tigil-tigilan na ang ganitong gawain (I am warning scammers and exploiters to stop with these activities),” he said.

“You will face the full force of the law for your criminal activities,” he added.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News