PNP steps up campaign vs. cyber crimes, sues 87

At least 121 charges have been filed against 87individuals for illegal acts ranging from spreading disinformation on the Internet to illegal online sale of medical supplies, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief  Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that apart from enforcing health and safety protocols, police continue to go after evil people who are making a profit and taking advantage of our fellowmen in this time of the  COVID-19 pandemic.

Eleazar said based on the data from March 9, 2020 to August 9, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group  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.

The  PNP has intensified its monitoring of cyber crimes as most people are working from home while students are attending online classes as movement restrictions have been in place due to the pandemic.

Eleazar pointed out that based on reports from the CIDG and the ACG, there has been an increase in incidents of persons spreading disinformation about the pandemic on social media.

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,” said Eleazar.

The CIDG and the ACG also 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.

 Eleazar also reminded food delivery riders to strictly observe minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols.

This came after the PNP received reports that some delivery riders are either wearing face masks improperly or smoking while waiting for their clients’ orders at restaurants.

“I have ordered all chiefs of police and station commanders to coordinate with their local government units and managers of business establishments to tighten their coronavirus disease 2019 protocols,” Eleazar said in a statement.

Food delivery riders are considered authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) as restaurants and other food establishments are only allowed to offer take-out and delivery services in areas such as Metro Manila which is under enhanced community quarantine.

Eleazar also reminded riders that they can be penalized through LGUs’ ordinances for violations of health protocols.