Sagay teen nabbed after claiming to have Covid-19

AN 18-YEAR-OLD senior high school student in Sagay City was arrested after claiming on social media that he was infected with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Police identified the suspect as Argie Ligaray, a resident of Purok Singbenco, Barangay Plaridel, Sagay City.

Sagay City acting police chief, Police Major Antonio Benitez Jr., said Ligaray posted on social media and claimed that he has tested positive for Covid-19.

Based on evidence presented by police, Ligaray's friends attempted to stop him by telling him to delete the post as he could be arrested. However, he dismissed his friend's warnings and continued to make false claims of contracting the virus.

His posts eventually reached Sagay City's Inter-Agency Task Force and police conducted an operation to arrest Ligaray.

Benitez also said during the follow-up operation that Ligaray even attempted to escape from the police, but he was eventually arrested in a forestal area of the barangay.

Ligaray is facing charges for violation of section 6 of Republic Act 11469, otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as one Act of 2020, which strictly prohibits spreading false information about the virus.

The suspect is now detained at the Sagay City Police Station.