THE Department of Interior and Local Government on Monday described as “fake news” information spreading on social media, which said government will impose a total lockdown as part of the efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Luzon-wide extended lockdown ends of April 30. President Duterte is yet to decide on whether to lift or extend it.
“Obviously, that’s fake news and that is punishable under the Bayanihan Act. Our National Bureau of Investigation and Anti-Cybercrime Group of the PNP are investigating to arrest the people spreading this,” said Interior Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya during the “Laging Handa” press briefing.
News anchor Jessica Soho of GMA News denied issuing the information on the lockdown and asked the public not to share the voice clip being spread on social media. The management of GMA News and Public Affairs issued a similar appeal.
In a voice clip, a woman who sounds like Soho is heard warning the public about the supposed planned imposition of a total lockdown as part of efforts against the spread of the coronavirus, and urging the public to stock up on food and other basic needs. The supposed total lockdown will reportedly be up to May 31.
Part of the clip says, “Everybody, please listen. Just in case lang, if you have time tomorrow, a, to go out, mag-stock kayo ng food, okay, that will last for a few, a week, or that will last until the 30th… In case mag-announce si Duterte ng martial law, ng total lockdown, or martial law, kung hindi Monday, Tuesday. ‘Pag nag-announce siya, it will last hanggang atrenta. Meaning, as in totally, hindi na talaga tayo puwedeng lumabas, wala na talagang puwedeng makalabas.”
Malaya reiterated the DILG’s appeal to the public to stop getting information from the social media and instead rely on mainstream media which he said are bound by journalism code of ethics.
He said people may also get their information about COVID-19 from the government-owned PTV 4 and through the government website www.covid19.gov.ph where needed data are posted.
“To those who are posting spreading those (fake news), the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group are conducting an investigation to arrest them once and for all,” said Malaya.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he directed the NBI to identify those behind an audio clip.
The NBI’s Cybercrime Division has an ongoing probe on the spreading of fake news related to COVID-19 and has sent subpoenas to several individuals, including one who posted on social media about government’s alleged failure to provide for the health care of Filipinos while it was able to buy a P2-billion jet for the use of President Duterte.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque advised the public to be wary of false information, and said government agencies have been holding regular briefings to counter disinformation. — With Ashzel Hachero and Jocelyn Montemayor
