The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has warned residents of the province to stay away from spreading fake news related to COVID-19 or face prosecution.
Jeremias Alili, PDRRM officer and the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) manager, has expressed concern that the spreading of fake news mainy through social is creating panic.
He said they have identified at least one individual and are building a probable case against this particular person.
“Sa ngayon, ay kinukunan na ng screenshot ang lahat ng mga maling impormasyon na ipino-post at sini-share sa social media ng isang indibidwal. Ito ang gagamiting ebidensya ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na miyembro ng konseho para sa pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa nagpapakalat ng mga maling impormasyon,” Alili said in a statement released by the Provincial Information Office (PIO).
His warning came after a series of wrong information circulated on social media in relation to the COVID-19 situation in the province.
He said that any useful information that needs to be made public may be forwarded to them for proper validation.
The national government recently ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the Anti-Cybercrime Group and Regional Offices to arrest all individuals who will circulate “fake news” for violation of Republic Act 10951 or Anti-Fake News Law of the Philippines.