OPAV wants peddler of false info held liable

The Office of the Presidential Assistance for the Visayas (OPAV) is asking the police to dig deeper into untruthful online posts claiming that Cebu hospitals are flooded with coronavirus patients as these allegedly sow panic among the populace.

OPAV assistant secretary Anthony Gerard “Jonji” Gonzales made the remarks on the heels of viral social media posts saying that Cebu’s hospitals are now bursting at the seams with COVID-19 patients, a claim already debunked by the Department of Health.

DOH-7 Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas said such reports are untrue, adding that in the 10 public and private hospitals in Metro Cebu, the number of coronavirus patients in each ranges from one to 10 only.

Despite Bernadas’clarification, Gonzales said OPAV would want to look deeper into these posts, which were allegedly backed by a doctor.

“Even a doctor should not do that to a community who is now so scared on what is happening. We will look into that matter nga if di ba siya liable for cybercrime,” said

Gonzales.

Gonzales said that even if the name of the hospital is not mentioned, there could still be liability.

“Even if you don’t mention the name of the hospital, when you sow panic, in a population that is already very afraid and scared, you can be liable for cybercrime,” he said.

Gonzales said they will ask the police and the cybercrime division to investigate the matter further.

“Nag-cause na gyud nag panic. Imagine kung nag-viral na na sa FB ug Messenger.

Ang mga tawo, unsa may ilang impression ana? Unsay ilang gusto mahitabo? Dili unta manghadlok. We will not hesitate to ask the police to conduct an investigation,” he said.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo

Labella’s spokesperson, lawyer Rey Gealon, also expressed his sentiments on those who post and share information that creates fear.

“Binuang, binutbot, dili tinuod nga napuno na atong mga hospital. Pait kaayo nga kining uban natong mga igsoon, imbes motabang sa kaayuhan, motabang sa kaalatuan man hinuon sa pagpanghadlok sa mga tawo,” said Gealon.

Gealon said private and public hospitals have already made it clear that they are ready to accept patients with COVID-19 and that the city’s health care system is in place.

“Giklaro na sa atong mga bay-tambalanan, publiko man o pribado, andam silang modawat og mga pasyente. Health care system, in place lang gihapon, wala ma-overwhelm gumikan sa atong pagsunod, pagsubay sa DOH memorandum 2020-0123 sa leveling sa mga nag-positive,” he said.

Barangay isolation centers across the city are also available to accommodate patients while contact tracing and testing continue in the barangays, especially as more recovered patients have been sent home. —