MAYOR BENG Climaco has warned individuals who use faked RT-PCR test results and forged travel documents as part of an intensified campaign to stop unauthorized people from illegally entering Zamboanga City.
Climaco said charges await those caught in possession of fake or false travel documents and medical certificates.
She said Covid-19 protocol enforcement teams have been deployed in the borders and entry points since the pandemic started in March last year to strictly check on the accuracy of information in the travel documents of inbound travellers.
“Our protocol teams at the borders are able to validate the information given them. That is why we are very particular in the entry of people at the borders. Those who will submit fake documents or dubious information, particularly on the required RT-PCR negative test result, will face legal charges for misrepresentation,” Climaco said.
She cited for instance the case filed by the local police against a couple who misrepresented themselves in their travel documents which were found to be invalid and dubious. “We do not allow entry of people with dubious or fake travel information because it is a crime and will endanger the health of our own people in the city,” the mayor said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aired a similar warning following a series of apprehensions of people carrying forged RT-PCR test results.
The DILG also ordered the police to prosecute individuals who are in possession of fake RT-PCR test results.
DILG Officer-in-Charge Bernardo Florece, Jr. said that fakers of RT-PCT tests, once caught, will be punished the fullest extent of the law. He said the police must ensure that all perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
“The DILG directs the PNP to arrest and prosecute individuals who are forging their RT-PCR tests. This is a crime and is punishable under our law. We are also warning those people planning to fake their test certifications. Huwag niyo na pong gawin at kung hindi, sisiguraduhin po namin na makukulong kayo. Huwag po tayong matigas ang ulo. Magpa-test po tayo para sa kabutihan nyo, ng inyong pamilya, at ng lahat,” he said.
Florece said Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, provides for penalties of P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
He said 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.
“The PNP must be vigilant in guarding entry points of tourists and travellers to ensure that people are abiding by the standards set by the IATF and the local governments and are compliant with minimum health standards,” Florece said. (Zamboanga Post)
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