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The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) warned trolls spreading forged information online.

Yesterday, Department of Education (DepEd) called on the public to be vigilant against fake news as it disowned posts circulating on social media regarding the supposed suspension of classes.

In an interview with PanahonTV, PNP-ACG Public Information Office Head Chief Inspector Jay Guillermo said that online misinformation is a violation of the Republic Act 10175.

Known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the law addresses crimes committed by means of computer systems, and focuses on the preemption, prevention, and prosecution of cybercrimes, among them offenses against confidentiality, integrity, and the availability of computer data and systems.

According to Guillermo, perpetrators could face six to 12 years of imprisonment and fine amounting to P60,000 to P120,000, depending on the effect of the online misinformation.

Stressing that the agency is capable of locating culprits, Guillermo however admitted that no one has been jailed in spreading misinformation online as no one has ever filed a formal complaint.