Surigao del Sur governor offers P1-M bounty vs peddler of fake news
BUTUAN CITY – Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander “Ayec” T. Pimentel on Wednesday, April 3, offered a P1-million reward to people who would provide information on the person who spread fake news about his death on social media on Monday, April 1.

“Yes, I am offering a reward,” Pimentel said as he condemned people behind the rumor.
“Mosirbisyo pa ako, kay kinahanglan pa ko sa mga tawo ug dili pa ako mamatay (I want to serve more and the people need me, and I am not dying),” he said.
The rumors that circulated on Facebook claimed that he died on April 1 due to lung cancer.
Pimentel attributed the false information to his political detractors.
“I want to inform our people of Surigao del Sur and its component cities of Tandag and Bislig that I am alive, by the grace of God,” he said.
He described the disinformation campaign as ungodly and should not be taken seriously by the public.
Pimentel recalled two other incidents allegedly from his political detractors that sought to destroy him – that he was allegedly arrested abroad by authorities and the increasing pertussis cases in the province last week.
“Kung kinsa may makatudlo and nagpakaylap nga ako namatay na, makadawat ug usa ka milyon pesos, gikan sa akong kaugalingong pitaka (To those who can pinpoint the one responsible in spreading that I am already dead, they can receive P1 million pesos from my own pocket).”
“Do not listen to fake news coming from my detractors,” Pimentel said.
His brother, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel, on Wednesday also urged the people not to listen to false propaganda and fake news being spread by their political detractors.
“Akong giawhag and atong mga katawhang Surigaonons nga dili jud ta motu-o sa mga propaganda o fake news nga ginahimo karon sa atong mga kaatbang sa politika (I urge our fellow Surigaonons not to listen to the false propaganda or fake news being carried out by our political opponents),” Rep. Pimentel said as he also announced that their family has offered the reward to those who can pinpoint the person responsible for the fake news.