Overpriced face masks, fake news amid Taal eruption | Inquirer Opinion

Overpriced face masks, fake news amid Taal eruption

04:01 AM January 14, 2020

Last Sunday afternoon, Taal Volcano erupted, creating a massive ashfall that reached Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon. The last time it erupted was in 1977.

People swarmed pharmacies, drugstores and hardware shops to buy N95 masks or surgical masks for protection against the harmful effects of the ashfall, but stocks were soon sold out in most stores.

Sadly, there were reports that some people were selling N95 masks for as much as P200 from its original price of only P25-P30.

Article continues after this advertisement

As if this wasn’t enough, it’s also disappointing to learn that some people were taking advantage of gullible Filipinos on social media amid the volcanic eruption.

FEATURED STORIES

There were posts on Facebook claiming it was not safe to go to the Mall of Asia because its foundations got destroyed, suggesting the mall would collapse anytime.

Another post advised everyone to turn off cellular phones due to strong radiation from cosmic rays, based on an alleged BBC report.

Article continues after this advertisement

One suspicious website reported that 15 cities in Luzon would be affected by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 15, Wednesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

These are all fake news. I just hope people stop spreading fake news and creating fear and panic in trying times like this.

JOHN PATRICK F. SOLANO
[email protected]

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS:

No tags found for this post.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.