CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- Some 80 persons face charges in court for various COVID-19 pandemic cybercrimes.
PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar said the cases involved spreading fake news on the internet, illegal online sale of medical supplies, and online scams.
According to the PNP chief, data from March 9, 2020 to August 9, 2021 revealed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Anti-Cybercrime Group have filed 87 criminal complaints against 52 persons for spreading fake news; three online scam complaints against two persons; and 31 criminal complaints againts 26 persons for online profiteering, overpricing, hoarding and unauthorized selling of medical supplies in the different Prosecutor’s Offices nationwide.
“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 nanamantala sa pangamba at takot ng ating mga kababayan sa COVID-19 (Aside from implementing minimum public health standards and quarantine protocols, the PNP continues to pursue these heartless individuals that prey on the COVID-19 fears of the public to earn money),” the PNP Chief said.
He added that the PNP has intensified its monitoring of cybercrimes with most people compelled to log on the internet for school, office work and business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eleazar pointed out that, based on reports from the CIDG and the ACG, there has been an increase in incidents of persons spreading fake news and unverified information about the COVID-19 pandemic on social media.
“A total of 87 criminal complaints have been filed in court while 52 individuals were charged for purveying fake news and unverified information on social media amid the public health emergency,” Eleazar said.
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,” Eleazar said.
Also the CIDG and the ACG filed three (3) criminal complaints against two (2) 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 those unscrupolous individuals who victimize others to stop what you are doing.) You will face the full force of the law for your criminal activities,” the PNP Chief said. (PNP/PIA-NCR)
