Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles refuted rumors that the government was planning to implement a 60-day extended lockdown, saying on Friday that this as well as reports of a military takeover were “totally unfounded, baseless, and untrue.”
“These rumors being spread via social media platforms and being sent via messaging applications are all fake news,” said the Palace official.
“I advise the public to refrain from forwarding or posting these rumors like these as they unnecessarily cause panic and fuel detrimental behavior like hoarding. Hindi po ito nakakatulong.”
Nograles urged the public to verify information they receive with legitimate sources of news as well as official government social media accounts and websites.
“We understand that the public wants information regarding Covid-19 and the enhanced community quarantine, which is why government agencies like the Department of Health make it a point to regularly provide updates,” explained Nograles, who added that major developments regarding the outbreak would be announced by the President, the IATF, or the National Task Force (NTF) Covid-19.
Nograles pointed out that the government’s National Action Plan to Eliminate Covid-19 includes the adoption of measures that will provide clear, accurate and timely information to support Covid-19 pandemic operations, such as a system or platform for regular reporting and updating on Covid-19 related news in the country.
The former lawmaker also reminded the public that the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” or Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 recently signed by the President includes a provision penalizing individuals and groups that create or spread fake news.
According to Nograles, Section 6(f) of RA 11469 states that individuals or groups creating or spreading false information on social media and other platforms that promote chaos, anarchy, panic, fear or confusion can be penalized by two months imprisonment or a fine ranging from 10,000 to one million pesos.
“These rumors being passed around are not harmless, and only highlight the need to institute measures to discourage the public from spreading them. Tulad ng virus, delikado din ang chismis na ganito at kailangan din gumawa ng hakbang upang tigilan ang pagkakalat nito––dahil nakasasama ang mga ito sa ating lahat.”
