The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has created a dedicated team to look into the circulation of an alleged medical bulletin about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that has been spreading online.
Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta confirmed on Wednesday that investigators have already been assigned to coordinate with other government agencies involved in the case.
“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,” Asueta told reporters.
The document being investigated contains supposed medical test results and a diagnosis, and carries the letterhead of St. Luke’s Medical Center. It has been reposted across multiple social media pages and includes a claim that the president is suffering from “severe sigmoid diverticulitis.”
Severe sigmoid diverticulitis refers to a serious infection or rupture affecting the lower-left part of the colon, a condition that can become fatal if not immediately treated. It may develop when a diverticular pouch leads to complications such as a large abscess, complete bowel obstruction, or perforation.
St. Luke’s Medical Center publicly denied the authenticity of the document on Jan. 28, describing it as “fake and fabricated.” On the same day, the Presidential Communications Office also released a statement saying the document “was not the result of any legitimate medical examination and does not reflect the president’s health.”
Asueta said authorities have not issued any directive to remove the online pages that have been sharing the document.
He also warned that individuals proven to have directly participated in circulating the false medical report may face charges under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 10951, which penalizes the unlawful use of publication and the spreading of false information that may threaten public order or harm the state.
Asueta urged the public to be cautious and responsible when posting or sharing content online.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the release of the fake bulletin, calling it “disrespectful, insensitive and a gross violation of the law.”
