Arrest and prosecution of individuals faking swab tests ordered

Quezon City, Philippines – Following reports that some individuals were found out to be using fake documents to travel, the Department of Interior and Local Government has ordered the Philippine National Police to arrest and prosecute those faking their swab test results of Covid-19 virus.

DILG Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary Bernardo Florece, Jr. in a press release on Monday, February 8, 2021 said these individuals should be punished ‘to the fullest extent of the law’.

"The DILG directs the PNP to arrest and prosecute individuals who are forging their RT-PCR tests. This is a crime and is punishable under our law,” Florece said.

He likewise warned individuals who are planning to fake their test certifications not to engage themselves in doing such a thing as they shall surely be put in jail.

“Huwag n'yo na pong gawin at kung hindi, sisiguraduhin po namin na makukulong kayo,” the Undersecretary said.

As indicated in RA No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, individuals found violating said law will be penalized an amount of P20, 000 but not more than P50, 000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

Under said law, "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.

"Huwag po tayong matigas ang ulo. Magpa-test po tayo para sa kabutihan nyo, ng inyong pamilya, at ng lahat," Florece said.

According to Florece, PNP must be vigilant in guarding entry points of tourists and travelers to ensure that they are following standards set by the IATF and the local government unit (LGU) and are observing minimum health protocols.

Florece said the agency does not want the incident which transpired in Boracay to happen again.

Previously, six individuals from Metro Manila were prohibited to enter Boracay Island after presenting fake RT-PCR test certifications. 3 of the said individuals after a swab test were then found out to be positive of the virus.

"Kung nakapasok ang tatlong ito na nagpositibo sa COVID sa Boracay ay mas malaking problema, mas madami pang madadamay sa kalokohan ninyo," Florece said.

With this, the Undersecretary asked the public to cooperate on the implementation of said mandate saying, "Nakikiusap po kami sa ating mga kababayan, makiisa po tayo, hindi pa po tapos ang pandemya, mahaba pa po ito. We must cooperate or else nakahanda po ang PNP at ang mga pamahalaang lokal na kayo ay arestuhin.”