PNP files raps vs optometrist who allegedly spread fake news on COVID-19 | Inquirer News

PNP files raps vs optometrist who allegedly spread fake news on COVID-19

By: - Reporter / @DYGalvezINQ
/ 03:00 PM February 17, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed criminal charges against a Cebu-based optometrist for allegedly spreading false information on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on social media.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has tracked down and identified Josephil Brian Consuelo, an optometrist in Mandaue City, who allegedly wrote a Facebook post claiming that a patient who tested positive of COVID-19 has died at the University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed).

He was arrested last Thursday, Feb. 13, the PNP said.

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The reports were also found to be false, as attested by UCMed’s Human Resource and Legal Officer.

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Cases for violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 and Section 4(c) 4 (Online Libel) of the Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 has been filed against Consuelo, PNP-ACG Director Brig. Gen. Dennis Agustin said.

Violators of the said law are penalized with arresto mayor and a fine ranging from P40,000 to P200,000 or imprisonment for a minimum period of four years and one day to a maximum of eight years per offense.

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PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa assured that the PNP-ACG will continue to take action against misinformation through cyber-patrol operations and monitoring on all social media platforms.

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“We urge the public to refrain from posting unverified information that creates panic and confusion and we will file criminal charges to those proven spreading these false reports,” Gamboa said in a statement.

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READ: PNP to intensify online monitoring vs fake news

The PNP-ACG earlier said that it is verifying six posts on social media for alleged disinformation on the COVID-19.

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READ: PNP verifying 6 social media posts for nCoV disinformation

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TAGS: Cebu, charges, COVID-19, fake news, Optometrist, PNP‎, raps

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