MONTEVISTA, Davao de Oro Mayor Cyrex Basalo will be giving a P20,000 reward to anyone who can provide information on the identity of the person or certain individuals who spread false information on social media about the suspension of classes on Monday, December 5, 2022.
This after employees of the local government were surprised to see students from different public schools in the town leaving the school, with some taking pictures at the Municipal Ground where the Diwanag Festival was held.
In an interview by SuperBalita with the students, they disclosed that their respective teachers sent them home due to the "advisory" spread on social media that said: "Due to torrential rains experienced in the municipality and upon recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) and to ensure the safety of all school children. Students, [teachers] and non-teaching staff, classes at all levels for all [schools] are hereby suspended today, December 5, 2022 (Monday). BDRRMC’s are hereby instructed to monitor current situation and Coordinate and submit timely report to MDRRMO." The post allegedly states that this is "upon the directives" of the mayor, who is the MDRRMC chairperson.
However, the Montevista government found out that the said posted advisory online was edited. The local government also belied that the advisory came from their end.
Upon releasing the clarificatory statement from the local government, it gained negative reactions and comments.
Due to the incident, Basalo immediately offered a reward worth P20,000 to anyone who can give information about the person behind the fake news.
The mayor will also take legal actions, which caused disruption in classes and affected the students and teachers. DTV