Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte slammed those who were supposedly behind the spread of fake news that led to the crowds flocking to the vaccination site in Araneta Coliseum Sunday morning.
According to Belmonte, the incident was instigated by "some shameless individuals" by "spreading fake news on social media."
"These online saboteurs typically urge the public to line up outside vaccine sites for walk-in accommodations,” Belmonte said in a statement.
“To be categorically clear, Quezon City does not allow walk-ins in its vaccine sites. Hindi po maaaring magbakasakali at pumila lamang upang mabakunahan (You can't take chances and just line up to be vaccinated),” she added.
Belmonte also vowed that those who are spreading fake news will be investigated for violating laws and endangering the public.
“Kung hindi kayo madadala sa pakiusap, kaso ng reckless endangerment, violation ng Cybercrime Law, at unjust vexation ang ihaharap namin sa inyo (If you can’t be reasoned with, we will file a case of reckless endangerment, violation of Cybercrime Law, and unjust vexation),” she issued the warning.
Belmonte urged the national law enforcement agencies and social media platforms to investigate such kind of ‘fake news’ posts that are circulating online.
“I hope that you can help curb the spread of this particularly dangerous type of fake news, and permanently ban those who use your platform to jeopardize the health and safety of others.”
On Thursday, people rushed to vaccination sites across Metro Manila and nearby provinces a day before the re-imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the hope of getting vaccinated.
Read more: People flock to QC vaccination site to get COVID jab