PRO-7 files cybercrime cases vs 2 alleged fake news peddlers

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) has filed cybercrime raps against two individuals for allegedly spreading false information on their Facebook and TikTok accounts.

The PRO-7 said the two individuals were facing charges in violation of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code or the “Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances,” in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The complaint was filed at the Department of Justice in Cebu, as seen on a video from PRO-7 shared by Carlo Mateo of Super Radyo dzBB.

PRO-7 director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan stressed that dissemination of false information on social media “is a serious offense that undermines public trust and safety.”

“PRO7 is committed to identifying individuals involved in such activities for immediate legal actions. Convictions for such offenses can result in penalties of imprisonment for up to 12 years,” he said in a statement.

Maranan also reminded the public that there are cyber patrollers who continuously monitor all online platforms to detect and address the spread of fake news. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News