Seares: Prosecuting the ‘scare monger’

Sunday, February 12, 2012

TRYING to impress President Noynoy Aquino, who wanted scare-mongers caught and punished, police last Friday charged a radio block-timer with public disorder.

Two witnesses said they saw and heard Danilo Cogtas shout “tsunami” near the Pasil Fish Market in Cebu City last Feb. 6, after an earthquake struck Cebu and Negros Oriental.

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Many shouted “tsunami” but only Cogtas is being sued. All the other criers got away.

The widespread near-hysteria should tell police that it couldn’t have been caused by Cogtas alone. It happened city-wide: a rumor outbreak fed with fear and some concern for other people’s safety.

Cogtas was a naive do-gooder (“it’s my job as a media man,” he said) who sounded the alarm when he saw people fleeing. One panic victim, in a radio interview, explained why he ran: “Others were also running.” As a “media man” though, Cogtas should’ve checked his facts first.

Under the Penal Code that lists tumults and other disturbances, Cogtas would fall only under #1: causing serious disturbance in a public place.

He didn’t do any of the other plausible acts: he didn’t interrupt or disturb a public performance or gathering, or make an outcry to incite sedition or rebellion, or display placards or emblems that provoked disorder.

Phivolcs too

Did Cogtas commit a crime? There was already disorder; at worst, he just abetted it, along with Phivolcs and many well-meaning others.

Cogtas deserves a day-long lecture on how broadcasters must behave on and off air. Prison term and fine? Maybe, if ignorance, abrasiveness, and bragging were a crime.

[paseares@sunstar.com.phor @gmail.com]