PNP: 15 nabbed at airport over fake COVID-19 test results

(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police has warned against the faking of COVID-19 test results, noting that violators could go to jail for the offense.

The PNP issued the statement after the PNP Aviation Security Group said it arrested 15 individuals over fake RT-PCR test results at the airport.

The test results are generally required for travel.

According to the PNP, the individuals were bound for Davao and Zamboanga City from Metro Manila, which is part of the NCR Plus bubble that is under an enhanced community quarantine until April 11.

Non-essential travel into and outside the NCR Plus bubble is banned for the duration of the ECQ.

Apart from Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal are part of the bubble.

The PNP said the arrested individuals will be charged for falsification of public documents and for violation of Republic Act No. 11332, which says “tampering of records relating to notifiable diseases or health events of public health concern, which includes official medical test results or medical certificates, or such other documents and records issued by public health authorities” is punishable by law.

According to the law, violators can face fines of up to P50,000 and imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months.

“Let me reiterate to the public that using fake laboratory results poses a danger to everyone. Our frontliners are risking their lives to save yours, a little bit of concern and cooperation is what we need to fight this unseen enemy,” PNP Chief Debold Sinas said.
(Eagle News Service)