THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed 121 criminal complaints and charged 80 persons in court for various cybercrimes exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the cases filed involved the spreading of fake news on the internet, illegal online sale of medical supplies, and online scams.
PNP data from March 9, 2021 to August 9, 2021 revealed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have filed 87 criminal complaints against 52 persons for spreading fake news; three online scam complaints against two persons; and 31 criminal complaints against 26 persons for online profiteering, overpricing, hoarding and unauthorized selling of medical supplies in the different Prosecutor’s Offices nationwide.
“Aside from the strict enforcement of minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols, the PNP will continue to go after those soul-less criminals who prey on hapless Filipinos and continue to exploit and earn money out of their fear of COVID-19,” PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar assured.
He added that the PNP has intensified its monitoring of cybercrimes with most people compelled to log on the internet for school, office work and business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PGen Eleazar pointed out that, based on reports from the CIDG and the ACG, there has been an increase in incidents of persons spreading fake news and unverified information about the COVID-19 pandemic on social media.
“A total of 87 criminal complaints have been filed in court while 52 individuals were charged for purveying fake news and unverified information on social media amid the public health emergency,” the PNP Chief said.
They were specifically charged with Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code as amended to include Online Libel; violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law; and violation of Presidential Decree No. 90, which makes rumor-mongering and spreading false information as unlawful.
“We are appealing to the public to be discerning and wary of fake news. This is also a stern warning to all individuals or groups spreading false information on various social media platforms. We will go after you and will not hesitate to put you behind bars,” PGen Eleazar said.
Also the CIDG and the ACG filed three criminal complaints against two alleged online scammers, and 31 criminal complaints against 26 alleged online profiteers, hoarders, and unauthorized sellers of medical supplies.
Seized from the unauthorized online sellers were: gallons of disinfectant, vitamin C capsules, forehead thermometers, face masks, and several liters of isopropyl alcohol.