La Union town declares controversial vlogger persona non grata over 'buang' remark
CALASIAO, Pangasinan – A vlogger who was declared persona non grata (unwelcome person) in Davao City over an offensive online post to the Muslim community last year was once again declared as such, this time in Bauang town, La Union province, for recently referring to the municipality as the home of ‘’buang’’ or crazy people in a Facebook post.
Bauang Vice Mayor Tanya Roberta de Guzman, along with residents and local officials, slammed Crist Briand Oncada, popularly known as Crist Briand and Brader, in a Facebook post.
They viewed the remark as disrespectful and the Sangguniang Bayan passed a resolution during their 30th regular session banning him from the municipality south of the provincial capital San Fernando City.
The Sangguniang Bayan affirmed respect for freedom of expression but reiterated that online content should not cross the line into public insult.
Officials stressed that content creators, especially those with large followings, carry greater responsibility in shaping public discourse.
The Sangguniang Bayan said the resolution reflects the collective sentiment of their community. “This will serve as a reminder that digital platforms must be used with accountability and respect,” they said.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) called out Briand, a Davaoeno, last September over his controversial “baboy na halal” (halal pork) remark online. The agency said it is offensive to the Muslim community and mocks the Islamic concept of halal. Briand faced backlash and apologized.