CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Regional Anti-cybercrime Unit in Central Visayas (RACU-7) has formally filed charges in the prosecutor’s office this afternoon, February 18, 2020, against the optometrist who posted false information about COVID-19.
Police Colonel Marlo Castillo, chief of RACU-7, told reporters that charges were already filed against Josephil Brian Consuelo, a resident of Barangay Lahug, Cebu City and an optometrist based in Mandaue City.
A violation of article 154 or the unlawful means of publication and unlawful utterances of the revised penal code and section 6 of the Republic Act 10175 or the anti-cybercrime law were the charges stated on the case.
“Magkakaroon pa ng preliminary investigation dito para mabigyan sya ng time na i-consult sa kanynag lawyer,” said Casillo.
(There will still be a preliminary investigation to give him time to consult with his lawyer.)
In previous reports, RACU-7 was able to personally communicate with Consuelo after the latter allegedly posted on his social media account about a foreign patient, allegedly a person under investigation (PUI) of COVID-19, who has died in the University of Cebu Medical Center in Mandaue City.
On February 13, the UCMED issued a statement debunking the information which has gone viral online.
According to Castillo, the suspect on Thursday said he was willing to face the consequences of his actions.
With the filing of charges, Castillo warned the public to be more careful with what they post online especially with regards to sensitive issues like the COVID-19 to avoid public panic.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old student identified as Brigido Mangas Granada was arrested in Danao City this morning for disseminating false information about a white van which was allegedly being used to kidnap individuals in Danao City.
A warrant of arrest penned by presiding judge Honorable Josefa Rinza Ramos, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 90, in relation to the dissemination of false information was issued against Granada who allegedly posted the false information on his Facebook page last December 2019.
Granada is currently detained at the Danao City Police Office.
A bail of P60,000 was set for his temporary liberty. /rcg