Bandila says sorry; but damage already done
OVER “MYSTERIOUS DISEASE”
ABS-CBN Network’s Bandila program has apologized for “unintended fear and panic” caused by its earlier erroneous report on a supposed flesh-eating disease that was spreading in Pangasinan, but not after undue panic and damage was done.
In a statement issued on February 27, Bandila said:
“Bandila” apologizes for the unintended fear and panic caused by its report on the cases of skin diseases in two towns in Pangasinan.
In accordance with internal standard procedures, ABS-CBN’s Office of the Network Ombudsman is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the airing of the report.
ABS-CBN News will take the appropriate actions based on the findings of the Network Ombudsman.
The network has not refuted the findings of the provincial health office debunking its report and neither has it asserted the veracity of its report.
Earlier in the week, following clamor from angry Pangasinenses through social media, Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan said the broadcast company should issue a public apology “in order to really put the matter to rest and for them to admit that they made a mistake in projecting that out of proportion.”
Baraan said the report caused adverse effects to the province and its people, including those based abroad, with unnecessary panic and anxiety as well as forgone earnings.
“It’s very irresponsible,” he said.
TOURISM
Provincial Tourism Officer Malu Elduayan said the sensationalized report affected the tourism industry, citing cancellations of bookings, particularly in Alaminos City where the Hundred Islands National Park is located.
“Their presentation of the report would really scare you,” said Mike Sison, city tourism officer of Alaminos City.
The Bandila report, which immediately went viral over the internet, was linked to a supposed prophecy about a “mysterious flesh-eating disease” that is gradually spreading in the province, citing two cases in the towns of Villasis and Sta. Barbara.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman, in a press conference on February 25, the day after the airing of the report, explained that the two patients were isolated cases of common diseases, leprosy and psoriasis, and are both non-contagious.
Health Secretary Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona also immediately issued a statement clarifying the issue.
De Guzman led a Provincial Health Office (PHO) team that went to check on the condition of a certain Mary Grace, 21, from Sta. Barbara town and a certain Alex, 17, in Villasis town who allegedly are suffering from the mysterious disease.
The PHO chief said that based on the medical report, Mary Grace has undergone leprosy treatment two years ago when she was 19 years old but her condition was aggravated by an adverse reaction from a multi-drug therapy.
The other patient, Alex, is suffering from psoriasis, an auto-immune disease which is acquired through chromosomal genes. His disease was further aggravated by arthritis.
Psoriasis cannot be cured but can be controlled, as explained by the provincial health officer.
“These two cases are not that of the rare necrotizing fasciitis or flesh-eating disease. There is no reason at all for the public to panic,” De Guzman said.
The doctor also explained that the two cases did not ring alarm bells for the PHO as these are considered “ordinary” illnesses.
“Kaya nga po hindi pumasok sa datos ng Provincial Health Office when it comes to disease surveillance dahil sila (leprosy and psoriasis) ay hindi tinatratong special na sakit, bagkus ay ordinaryong sakit, na hindi nakatala sa guidelines ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan when it comes to notifiable diseases,” she said.
On orders of the governor, the two patients have been brought to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital to undergo further treatment and to assess other underlying health conditions.
Pangasinan has been cited for having the best public healthcare service in the country.
MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY
Jay Mendoza, chair of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas-Pangasinan chapter, said the report was not carefully studied and was not objective as it was based solely on what the reporter saw.
“It’s unfair not only to the patient’s family but to the whole province as well,” Mendoza said.
Provincial Information Officer Orpheus Velasco urged media practitioners to be more responsible in their reportage.—Reports from LVM, Tita Roces, Johanne R. Macob, PIA1-Pangasinan and PIO
