Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Debold M Sinas sternly warns the public that faking RT-PCR tests and other health documents is dangerous and may land them in jail.
This was after the PNP-Aviation Security Group intercepted 15 individuals at the airport with falsified SARS-CoV-2 confirmatory test results.
These individuals travelling from Manila, which is under Enhanced Community Quarantine until April 11, were bound for Davao and Zamboanga City.
The arrested individuals will be charged with falsification of public documents and violation of RA 11332, an Act providing policies and prescribing procedures on surveillance and response to notifiable diseases, epidemics, and health events of public health concern.
Republic Act No. 11332 provides stiff penalties ranging from fines up to P50,000 and imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months for forgery of RT-PCR test results.
It also states that “tampering of records relating to notifiable diseases or health events of public health concern, which includes official medical test results or medical certificates, or such other documents and records issued by public health authorities” is punishable by law.
“Let me reiterate to the public that using fake laboratory results poses a danger to everyone. Our frontliners are risking their lives to save yours, a little bit of concern and cooperation is what we need to fight this unseen enemy”, Sinas said.
(Press Release)
