‘Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda yesterday said he will go after unscrupulous individuals who spread fake news to spark COVID-19 fears among Kapampangans.
“Ipapahanap natin ang nagpapakalat ng mga fake news na iyan. I will not hesitate to file charges sa mga taong iyan,” the governor warned.
This, following several false posts about confirmed COVID-19 cases and “lockdown” of Pampanga, stretched online.
Delta appealed to not panic and heed on rumors surrounding COVID-19.
“Sa aking pong mga kababayan, wag po kayong mag-panic. Huwag po kayong basta-bastang maniniwala sa social media, kasi lalo lang po tayo magca-cause ng panic sa iba,” he said during an interview.
Provincial Director Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said those who will be found recklessly spreading fake news and false information on COVID-19 may face a jail term of six years and one day to 12 years. They may also be fined of at least P200,000 but not exceeding to P 1-million, pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”
He also encouraged all government agencies and officials to follow and regularly visit Pampanga Provincial Information Office (PIO) Official Facebook Page for the latest updates and official statements coming from the provincial government.
The governor said this is to raise awareness among people to avoid the spread of deceptive information and misleading news that cause alarm among the public.
“All valid announcements and information mula sa Kapitolyo ay manggagaling lang mula sa PIO,” he cleared.
“Lahat ng mga impormasyon na hindi galing sa PIO ay hindi totoo ,” he added.
Amid three confirmed COVID-19 cases in Central Luzon, Governor Delta assured that Pampanga is still safe from the threat of the disease. He is confident that Pampanga is ready as long as everyone will work together once a local transmission is reported.
“Kailangan po nating magtulungan sa problemang ito. Huwag na po nating hintayin na lumala ang problema para sa probinsya. Magtutulungan tayo para mabilis po natin maiwasan ang problema na ito,” Governor Delta said.