Radioman: I was only warning my son; Ermita councilor: I was misinterpreted

A RADIO blocktimer and a barangay councilor denied accusations that they caused the tsunami scare in Cebu City last Monday.

Danilo “Danny” Cogtas of radio dyRB and barangay Ermita councilor Domingo Ando showed up at the Cebu City Police office yesterday to give their side and try to refute the allegations against them.

Cogtas said that some people in barangay Pasil may have heard him calling his son in Talisay City in his mobile phone three times and telling him to be ready to go to higher ground.

Cogtas said he was in Pasil to fetch a lady friend and her children when he saw several people panicking out of fear a tsunami might hit the city.

He said he was scared too and called his son.

He said the some residents in Pasil, who heard his frantic calls, may have e started the panic.

He said that in his haste he nearly lost his balance and fell from his motorcycle with his female friend and her kids.

Barangay Ermita councilor, Domingo Ando, for his part, said that he was just trying to calm down his panicked constituents at that time.

Ando said he actually told his constituents to be calm and ready for the worst.

Ando said he was misunderstood.

Cebu City Intelligence Branch chief Romeo Santander said that three witnesses in affidavits identified Cogtas and Ando as the ones who started the panic when they “shouted tsunami.”

Santander said he would still meet with Cebu City Police Chief Melvin Buenafe for a final decision on whether charges would be filed against Cogtas and Ando.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, for her part, said Cogtas was irresponsible and should be facing a criminal case.

“If there was a casualty because of what happened…What if lives were lost? What if there’s a stampede because of what he did? He should face a criminal case,” said Garcia in Cebuano.

“That was a very clear example of how grave the consequences could be if broadcasters do not treat their role in a responsible manner,” she said.

After Monday’s tsunami scare, the Cebu City government will use electronic billboards to flash warnings on the occurrence of calamities and important announcements of the city government.

Mayor Michael Rama signed on Wednesday an agreement with four billboard owners for the free use of their electronic billboards.

The billboards are located in Fuente Osmeña, SM Mall and San Jose Dela Montaña Avenue.

Rama said this would filter out misinformation since only messages authorized by him would be flashed on the boards.

At the Capitol, earthquake safety tips printed on bond paper were posted on the walls of the legislative building.  Correspondent Chito O. Aragon with reports from Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondent CArmel Loise Matus