Kagawad may sue over hoax

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay councilman is planning to file criminal charges against the police, a police informant and several members of the local media for allegedly tagging him responsible for the tsunami hoax last week.  

Barangay Ermita councilman Domingo Ando Jr. and his counsel, Marvin Pañares, visited the office of Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, chief of the City Intelligence Branch, looking for the informant who told the police he was one of those who started the hoax.

Pañares said as a result of the allegations some of Ando’s constituents have lost their respect for him.

Ando’s children have also reportedly felt the wrath of public condemnation after they were confronted by their workmates for the hoax, he said.  

As of yesterday, Pañares said Ando’s family is still gathering evidence against those whom they think have contributed to their shame.   

Those who may be included in the lawsuit are the police informant who said he started the hoax and several members of the media. Santander said they welcome whatever Ando is planning to do, adding that what they did early last week was only to invite him for questioning.

He said all of the information they received about Ando’s alleged involvement were all based on witnesses’ accounts.

“We are not fabricating evidence, we do not know these people,” he said, referring to Ando and dyRB radio blocktimer Danilo Cogtas.

Cogtas allegedly boasted he was the “king of false alarm” following last weeks city-wide panic caused by tsunami rumors. He was charged last week for violating the Revised Penal Code for public disturbance.

The police, however, did not include Ando in the charges after their informant did not return to file the necessary charges. 

Cebu and Negros were jolted by a strong earthquake last Monday which led to the tsunami hoax.  (FREEMAN)