MISINFORMED. Hopeful vaccinees but without schedules converge outside the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on Sunday (Aug. 8, 2021). The local government blamed fake news on social media that walk-ins will be accepted at the mega vaccination for the crowd surge. (Photo courtesy of QC Task Force Disiplina)
MANILA – A Quezon City vaccination site was also a victim of misinformation on Sunday after vaccinees trooped to the venue even without pre-approved schedules.
Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, himself rushed to the Araneta Coliseum mega vaccination hub after receiving reports of the large crowd, similar to the experience of inoculation hubs in Manila, Las Piñas, and Antipolo on Aug. 5.
Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated the city has a pre-registration and scheduling system and walk-ins are never allowed.
“I’m appealing to online platforms to work with the government now, because what happened yesterday (Sunday), that was scary. That caused a super spreader event that could have endangered the lives and health of many of our citizens just because they were not quick to act when the local government had asked them to take down the post,” she said in a news channel interview on Monday.
Belmonte also condemned “shameless individuals” who spread fake news on social media and sabotage the city’s vaccination program by urging people to walk in.
“Makonsensya naman kayo (Exercise your conscience). You are literally endangering the lives of countless men, women, and children. Kung hindi kayo madadala sa paki-usap, kaso ng reckless endangerment, violation ng cybercrime law, at unjust vexation ang ihaharap namin sa inyo (If we cannot ask you to stop, we will charge you with reckless endangerment, violation of cybercrime law, and unjust vexation),” Belmonte said in a statement on Sunday.
She also appealed to national law enforcement agencies to investigate the posts and file the necessary charges even as she asked the public to be wary of social media posts and rely on the city’s official Facebook page.
She added social media platforms can curb the spread of fake news by permanently banning those who post such.
The city government, meanwhile, reset the vaccination at Ever Gotesco mall along Commonwealth Avenue to Tuesday after a fire that hit the supermarket warehouse before dawn on Monday. (PNA)
