Manila Bulletin
Mayor decries fake news circulating that nCoV has spread to Iloilo City
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas is pushing for an investigation into individuals spreading fake news about novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) cases in the city via text messages and social media.
The false information specifically targeted Unitop General Merchandise, Inc., warning residents against shopping there due to an alleged owner exhibiting nCoV symptoms.
Mayor Treñas denounced the circulating message as "fake news" and noted its spread to other cities.
Treñas would reportedly seek the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the matter and have the source of the fake news arrested.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra had previously ordered the NBI to investigate the spread of misinformation and fake news related to the nCoV.
Albert Brito, Vice President for Operation of Unitop General Merchandise, Inc., reassured the public that the department store remained free of nCoV and that management coordinated with authorities to track down the purveyor of the fake news.
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Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the spread of fake news concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
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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).
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The province of Cebu has passed an ordinance that penalizes the spread of fake news and false information regarding the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV ARD).
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) is threatening to file criminal charges against individuals spreading fake news about the novel coronavirus (nCoV).
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The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Bulacan is urging residents to stop spreading misinformation about COVID-19 to prevent panic.
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