THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday it has formed a team to investigate a fake medical bulletin regarding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. circulating online.
”We have formed a team for that purpose, so I [have] already assigned them to collaborate and cooperate with other agencies responsible for this investigation,” Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta told reporters.
The document in question features medical test results and a diagnosis of the president bearing the letterhead of St. Luke’s Medical Center. The report indicates “severe sigmoid diverticulitis” and has been shared across several social media pages.
Severe sigmoid diverticulitis is an intense infection or rupture of the lower-left portion of the colon that can be potentially lethal if not treated promptly. It occurs when a diverticular pouch develops a significant complication, such as a large abscess, a total bowel obstruction or a perforation.
St. Luke’s Medical Center released a statement on Jan. 28 calling the document “fake and fabricated.” On the same day, the Presidential Communications Office issued a similar announcement, stating the document “was not the result of any legitimate medical examination and does not reflect the president’s health.” Asueta said there have been no orders to take down the online pages carrying the document.
Under Philippine law, anyone proven to have a direct hand in circulating a fake document could face charges for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 10951. The law penalizes the unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances, including spreading fake news that endangers public order or damages the state.
Asueta reminded the public to be cautious and responsible when posting information online.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called the fake medical bulletin “disrespectful, insensitive and a gross violation of the law.”
