80 Individuals Charged by PNP for Spreading Fake News Amid Pandemic

PNP Charged 80 Individuals Over Online Scam, Fake News Amid Pandemic

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has charged 80 individuals for alleged online scams and spreading fake news amid the Pandemic.

According to the PNP, some 80 people have been charged with various cybercime cases during the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) pandemic. According to PNP Chief of Police General Guillermo Eleazar, the PNP has filed 121 criminal cases against 80 people in various courts.

Pandemic Fake News

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Spreading bogus news on the internet, unlawful online sales of medical supplies, and online scams are just a few examples. According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group (CIDG), 87 criminal complaints for fake news were made against 52 people between March 9, 2021 and August 9, 2021.

There are also three online fraud complaints against two people, as well as 31 criminal complaints against 26 people for internet profiteering, overpricing, stockpiling, and unlawful medical supply sales.

Apart from enforcing minimal public health safety standards and quarantine protocols, the PNP continues to pursue harmful elements in COVID-19 who benefit and exploit our countrymen’s concerns and anxieties, according to Eleazar. Eleazar noted that now that there is a pandemic, the number of persons spreading false information that causes people to be victimized has increased.

They were charged with Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as violations of Republic Act 10175, or the Anti-Cybercrime Law, and Presidential Decree No. 90.

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