Filipino leaders rubbish rumours about '166 HIV-positive OFWs' in Dubai

fake news HIV-positive

Filipino leaders in the UAE have strongly refuted rumors circulating on social media about 166 HIV-positive overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai. Community members and officials have been urged to avoid spreading fake news, which is considered a serious offense in the UAE, punishable by fines up to Dh200,000 and imprisonment.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it. "I reiterate my call for vigilance and responsibility to avoid fake news. We should not post any news or information before confirming from official sources," he stated, underscoring the UAE Government's strict stance on combating fake news.

According to UAE law, spreading rumors and fake news can result in penalties ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh200,000, along with imprisonment for one to two years. The fake news in question, which was recently shared on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, falsely claimed that 166 OFWs had tested positive for HIV from January to May 2024. The misleading post carried the headline “Breaking News UAE Dubai/ Satwa,” implying the report was specific to the UAE and warning Filipinos in Satwa, Dubai.

This rumor emerged following a recent statement by Philippine Department of Health Minister Ted Herbosa, who expressed concern about an increase in new HIV cases in the Philippines. However, the claim about 166 OFWs contracting HIV was originally reported by a UAE daily in August 2011, referring to HIV cases among Filipino migrant workers from January to July of that year. The original article did not mention Dubai or the UAE. The fake post was a poorly altered version of the old report, with overlaid text changing the dates to January to May to mislead readers.

Filipino community leader Josie Conlu pointed out the deception, stating, "It was published 13 years ago and clearly outdated." She urged the community to be cautious and responsible when sharing information, especially on sensitive topics like health. "We emphasize the importance of verifying information before passing it on. Acting responsibly is crucial to prevent the spread of outdated or misleading content that may inadvertently harm or discriminate against individuals," Conlu added.

Ericson Reyes, President of the Filipino Social Club, also condemned the misinformation, labeling it as baseless and harmful to the community. "The misinformation spread is not only baseless but also harmful to our community. We would like to clarify that there is no current evidence or report supporting these claims," he stated. Reyes highlighted the UAE's strict regulations against the dissemination of rumors and fake news and warned of severe consequences for violators.

"We remain committed to supporting the well-being of our community. We encourage anyone with concerns or questions to reach out to us directly for accurate information and support," Reyes added. 

Both Ver and Reyes stressed the need for the Filipino community in the UAE to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, particularly when it involves sensitive health issues. They reiterated their commitment to providing accurate information and support to the community, urging members to rely on official sources and to contact community leaders for clarification on any concerns.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication and the severe consequences of spreading fake news, especially in a country like the UAE, where laws against misinformation are strictly enforced. The leaders' call for vigilance and responsibility aims to protect the community from harm and maintain trust and integrity in information sharing.