(File photo)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Wednesday warned anew the public against the use of fake coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test results and other medical documents for traveling.
This came after the PNP-Aviation Security Group intercepted 15 travelers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) who used falsified reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results.
These individuals traveling from Manila, which is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until April 11, were bound for Davao and Zamboanga City.
Sinas said these individuals will be charged with falsification of public documents and violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
RA 11332 provides stiff penalties ranging from fines up to PHP50,000 and imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months for forgery of RT-PCR test results.
The law also penalizes 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.
"Let me reiterate to the public that using fake laboratory results poses a danger to everyone. Our front-liners are risking their lives to save yours, a little bit of concern and cooperation is what we need to fight this unseen enemy," Sinas said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
