The Legazpi City Police filed a case against a vlogger who pretended to be infected by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)acute respiratory disease patient by collapsing at a mall entrance.
A case of “alarm and scandal” has been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Marlon De Vera of Purok 2, Brgy. Bigaa, Legazpi City, and he could be arrested as soon as a warrant is issued.
“We decided to file a case against the suspect since he created disturbance, anxiety and fear to the public after he played himself as carrier of nCoV in front of a mall in Barangay Bitano on Sunday afternoon,” Lt. Col. Aldwin Gamboa, Legazpi City police chief said.
Gamboa pointed out that everyone should be helping one another during this time and that “it is not good to make nCoV a joke for it is a national issue and a public health concern.”
Yashano Mall guards saw De Vera slowly walking in front of the mall entrance and then laid down on the floor as he pretended to be infected by the dreaded respiratory disease that has affected thousands and killed hundreds.
As this was happening, his companion was taking a video of De Vera while mall-goers ran out of fear.
He later on admitted that this was a prank and was arrested by the police.
A day after the incident, De Vera apologized by posting a short video on his “Uragon Vlogger” fan page. (Jojo Mangahis)