PNP traces source of fake news that pushed people to panic at vax sites

MANILA, Philippines — The anti-cybercrime group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-ACG) is now monitoring social media accounts that may be linked to the “fake news” that led to a huge influx of people in vaccination sites in some cities in Metro Manila.

“Ongoing ‘yung ating investigation, based on the initial report of the PNP anti-cybercrime group, meron silang minomonitor na mga account,” PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said over ABS-CBN News Channel on Tuesday.

(Our investigation is ongoing, and based on the initial report of the PNP anti-cybercrime group, they are monitoring certain accounts.)

“But of course, these are just raw information that needs to be validated,” he added.

Eleazar also said that the ACG requested the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group assistance to determine the identity of the said accounts.

“Some of these accounts are, ito ‘yung mga legitimate accounts, siguro dahil sa mga impormasyon na nakuha nila, mali ang interpretasyon,” Eleazar noted.

(Some of these accounts are legitimate. They may have information with wrong interpretation.)

There were rumors that unvaccinated people will not receive ayuda or cash assistance and may be barred from going outside, according to reports.

It was President Rodrigo Duterte who said that those who do not want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should stay home, or police will escort them back to their houses.

Malacañang, however, said “fake news” is to blame for the huge influx of individuals in vaccination sites and not President Duterte’s remarks.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday said five suspects were charged in violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 for spreading “fake news.”

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after the purveyors of misinformation.

JPV

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TAGS: fake news, Philippine National Police