PNP to hunt perpetrators behind energy-related fake news

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the organization is committed to helping the national government fight disinformation about the energy situation amid the series of oil price hikes.

“The situation in the Middle East is a serious matter and any attempt to exploit it to trigger unwarranted panic among our kababayan must be addressed and dealt with. We will not allow this,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

“Hahabulin natin at kakasuhan kung sino man ang mga nasa likod ng pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyong,” he added.

(We will go after and prosecute whoever is behind the spread of false information.)

The PNP’s efforts cover reports deliberately attempting to mislead the public on oil supply and its economic impact, which could trigger unwarranted panic.

PNP’s Anti?Cybercrime Group (ACG) was ordered to enhance surveillance of social media pages and accounts used for disinformation drives.

Local police units are now using their social media accounts to counter fake news, according to the PNP.

Nartatez said criminal charges will be filed against individuals found responsible for spreading disinformation.

On Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) warned the public against spreading fake news about energy security, supply, or pricing amid soaring fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense,” PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez earlier said.

He pointed out that publishing false news can lead to six months of imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. I

If done online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, he added.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will help the PCO file charges against individuals spreading fake news about energy security.—AOL, GMA News