VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur -- The city government of Vigan in Ilocos Sur has denied that the city will be placed under lockdown from December 23, 2020 to January 3, 2021 to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In its Facebook page, the city government said that it has not announced the implementation of a lockdown in the entire city on the said dates.
“This Christmas Season is not the time to spread unverified or false news as this may cause misinformation, confusion, chaos, and panic to the people,” it said.
City officials encouraged the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing unofficial, unvalidated, and unverified reports.
"Anyone spreading fake news may face penalty or imprisonment for violating the Articles 154 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law,” it said.
Mayor Juan Carlo Medina urged the people to strictly follow the minimum health protocols to prevent the expected surge in COVID-19 cases during the holidays.