The Philippine National Police (PNP) has increased police mobility amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon as PNP Chief Pol. Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered added mobile patrols in commercial centers and residential areas.
The PNP Chief said the move is a preventive measure for those who wish to take advantage of the situation.
“Although we have not received validated reports of crime incidents in NCR and surrounding areas, we are nonetheless alerting our field units to take preemptive action,” Gamboa said.
The PNP also disclosed the significant decrease in crimes in Metro Manila, following the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
Meanwhile, Gamboa urged the public to avoid sharing unvalidated reports such as the alleged robbery in McKinley Hills in Taguig City, and in Binondo that have sparked public unrest in San Andres, Manila.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has been tracing the authors of the false reports circulating online.
Gamboa reiterated the stiff penalties to be imposed on perpetrators of misinformation, especially during a national emergency.
“You can be punished by disseminating, posting fake news. So again, we discourage people to do this. Hindi kayo nakakatulong (You are not helping), but ang (the) Philippine National Police will go after you. Huwag niyo kaming subukan at hahabulin namin kayo (Do not try us and we will go after you),” Gamboa warned.
“And as a matter of fact, my directive to the anti-cybercrime group and different regional directors, magsampol tayo, para makita ng publiko na kaya nating mag-aresto at mag-file ng kaso kapag nagpo-post, nagla-like ng mga fake news (A sample will show the public that we can make arrests and file charges against those who post and like fake news),” he added.
He assured that security forces are on top of things and are ready to assist the public anytime. – Report from Bea Bernardo
