The Presidential Security Group (PSG) and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) have clarified that the circulating online messages on total lockdown, including the closure of all establishments, and the alleged military takeover are false.
Based on the circulating messages, markets and banks will be closed, and that the PSG advises the public to start stocking up basic goods that would last for two weeks. The PSG has already refuted the viral message in its advisory.
Meanwhile, IATF Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the information on the alleged military control and takeover has reached him.
“Itong lahat ng ito fake news po lahat ito ‘no. Di umano ang kumakalat, na may military takeover or military control, peke po ‘yan. Fake news po ‘yan, ‘yung di umano kumakalat na mag-eextend po ng lockdown ng 60 days, or whatever days, fake din po ‘yan. Peke po ‘yan, fake news din po ‘yan (All of this is fake news. The alleged military takeover and control is fake news. The alleged extension of lockdown for 60 days or whatever days is also fake news),” Nograles elucidated.
“At ‘yung di umano ‘yung Divisoria at iba pang public markets ay magsasara na rin daw po ay ‘yan din po ay peke, fake news din po ‘yan. Huwag po tayong maniniwala sa mga fake news. Huwag po tayong mag-like and share. At huwag po natin ikalat din ang fake news (The alleged closure of Divisoria and other public markets is also a fake news. Lets us not believe it. Don’t like and share these so-called fake news),” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned that perpetrators of misinformation may face charges and legal sanctions.
“Inaatasan ko ang PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) na huwag tantanan ang mga nasa likod ng pagpapalaganap ng fake news. Ang pagkakaaresto sa isang suspek sa Laguna at tatlo pa sa Cebu ay babala sa mga fake news peddlers (I have ordered the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to continue pursuing people behind these fake news. The arrest of one suspect in Laguna and three others in Cebu serves as a warning to fake news peddlers). We are after you, ” DILG Sec. Eduardo Año warned.
Authorities have also reminded the public to check out updates from government media and other legitimate news agencies. Nograles said the IATF will continuously meet for the measures against COVID-19 through teleconferencing.
Report from Mela Lesmoras
