DILG orders PNP to arrest fake news spreaders on nCoV

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest individuals and groups spreading fake news about the novel Coronavirus (nCoV).

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año stated that spreading false information about the virus is detrimental to public interest and exacerbates the existing problem.

Año emphasized that the PNP should intensify its efforts to apprehend those disseminating false information on various social media platforms.

He cautioned that freedom of expression has limits, especially when it endangers public welfare, and that fake news on social media must cease.

The DILG itself was a victim of fake news when an infographic, allegedly from the agency, incorrectly announced a mandatory quarantine for travelers from 23 countries, causing panic.

The PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is capable of tracking down fake news perpetrators and is currently verifying six suspected fake news posts related to the coronavirus.

Violators of fake news laws may face imprisonment of one to six months and fines ranging from P40,000 to P200,000 under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.