THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has filed 121 charges against 80 individuals over unscrupulous acts amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said the cases involved spreading disinformation on the internet, illegal online sale of medical supplies, and online scams.
“Bukod sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng minimum public health safety standards at quarantine protocols, patuloy ang pagtugis ng PNP sa mga walang kaluluwang pinagkakakitaan at nananamantala sa pangamba at takot ng ating mga kababayan sa Covid-19 (Aside from the strict enforcement of minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols, the PNP continues to hunt evil people who are making a profit and taking advantage of the fear and anxiety felt by our fellowmen due to Covid-19),” Eleazar said in a statement.
Eleazar said based on the data from March 9, 2020 to August 9, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have filed 87 criminal complaints against 52 persons for spreading fake news; three online scam complaints against two persons; and 31 criminal complaints against 26 persons for online profiteering, overpricing, hoarding and unauthorized selling of medical supplies in the different prosecutor’s offices nationwide.
He added that the PNP has intensified its monitoring of cybercrimes as most people are working from home while students are attending online classes as movement restrictions have been in place due to the pandemic.
Eleazar pointed out that based on reports from the CIDG and the ACG, there has been an increase in incidents of persons spreading disinformation about the pandemic on social media.
They were specifically charged with Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code as amended to include Online Libel; violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law; and violation of Presidential Decree No. 90, which makes rumor-mongering and spreading false information as unlawful.
“We are appealing to the public to be discerning and wary of fake news. 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,” said Eleazar.
The CIDG and the ACG also filed three criminal complaints against two alleged online scammers; and 31 criminal complaints against 26 alleged online profiteers, hoarders, and unauthorized sellers of medical supplies.
Seized from the unauthorized online sellers were gallons of disinfectant, vitamin C capsules, forehead thermometers, face masks, and several liters of isopropyl alcohol.
“Binabalaan ko ang mga manloloko at mapagsamantala sa kapwa na tigil-tigilan na ang ganitong gawain (I warn fraudsters and exploiters to stop this kind of work). You will face the full force of the law for your criminal activities,” Eleazar said. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
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