DOJ orders NBI to investigate spread of nCoV misinformation and fake news

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been tapped to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the spread of misinformation and fake news about the novel coronavirus-acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD).

“…If evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor,” read Department Order (DO) 052 issued Tuesday by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Justice Undersecretary and Spokesperson Markk Perete said as part of the NBI’s investigation, “all leads will have to be considered, including those presented at the Senate.”

For now, he said they cannot specifically mention any specific case or violations that can be filed.

“These [charges] will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation process,” Perete said.

In the same DO, Guevarra also instructed the NBI to provide technical assistance to the Department of Health (DOH) in the contact tracing of individuals who may have interacted with the persons confirmed to have been infected by 2019-nCoV ARD.

Guevarra told NBI Director Dante Gierran to submit reports on the progress of the investigation and assistance within 30 days.