Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) Director Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete confirmed on Tuesday that they have filed criminal charges against a Davao City-based vlogger for allegedly spreading “false” information about a supposed raid by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Special Action Force on the residence of former President Rodrigo Duterte at Doña Luisa Subdivision in Davao City.
In a recorded message, Rosete underscored that during the investigation of the Ecoland Police Station and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 11 (RACU 11), they were able to identify the suspect whose identity was not revealed.
Rosete said PRO 11 filed on Tuesday morning before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City a case for violation of Article 154 or the use of unlawful means of publication or utterances in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 or the cybercrime law for using fake information online.
“I commend the men and women of the Ecoland Police Station, the whole Davao City Police Office at ng RACU 11, CIDG of their immediate and quick response sa insidente na ito hanggang ma-identify natin ang suspect,” he said.
Earlier this month, supporters of the former president rushed to the properties of the Duterte family in Davao City following reports of the arrival of 30 operatives of the CIDG and 90 SAF personnel from Luzon in Davao City.
Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte even issued a statement criticizing the PNP-CIDG describing their actions as harassment to the Duterte family.
Rosete denied the said online reports of alleged search operations to the residence of FPRRD and described the report as “fake news.”
Rosete also confirmed that even the SAF and the CIDG made denials of the report saying they have no impending operations in Davao City.
Meanwhile, Rosete emphasized that the police forces are on the look out for what they call “fake news” that may come out.
He also issued warnings to individuals who will violate the said laws against spreading false information.
“Kami ay mag i-imbestiga at magfa-file ng criminal cases sa mga taong lalabag sa ating batas na ito na maaring mag-create ng chaos, fear, or confusion sa ating community,” Rosete said.
Rosete urged the public to immediately report individuals spreading fake news.
“Let us stand together in the fight against fake news and let us stand for truth and accountability,” he said.
