PNP: Audio clip on imposition of martial law due to COVID-19 crisis ‘fake news’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) denounced as “fake news” an audio clip circulating on social media stating that President Rodrigo Duterte will impose martial law due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in the country.

The audio clip allegedly warned the public to “stock up food that will last for a week or up to April 30” in case martial law is imposed, the PNP said in a statement on Monday.

“We deemed it to be another fake news spreading through text messages and chat groups. We urge netizens and social media users to be alert and vigilant and avoid sharing or posting unverified information,” it said in a statement.

PNP spokesman Bernard Banac said its Anti-Cybercrime unit will probe the incident.

“We will arrest these cybercriminals to stop their illegal activities online that may cause harm, confusion, and panic among our people,” he said.

The PNP earlier arrested 32 individuals who allegedly spread false information on social media, causing the public to panic.

READ: 32 peddlers of ‘fake news’ busted by PNP