Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) — Netizens and celebrities apologized on Thursday over the spread of online misinformation surrounding the case of 23-year-old flight attendant Christine Dacera, who died after a New Year’s Eve revelry in a Makati hotel.
Numerous Twitter users, who were previously outraged after speculating that the cause of Dacera’s death was “rape”, claimed they have deleted their misleading posts amid conflicting reports and ongoing investigation by authorities.
In a tweet on Thursday, singer Frankie Pangilinan lamented how she got “caught up in the outrage,” citing “confusing” statements from authorities.
“I got caught up in the outrage, I promise I’ll do better. I’ve deleted all the misleading tweets but I stand by everything I said re: respecting girls, and I hope Christine still gets the justice she deserves,” Pangilinan tweeted.
TV Host Bianca Gonzales expressed a similar sentiment and apologized for “adding to the noise.”
“I am one of those who posted using the term ‘rape’ and the hashtag justice because the authorities said it was rape. I feel ashamed but also so confused with the conflicting reports,” she said. “The call for justice remains, but justice to find the truth for both Christine and the accused.”
Some other netizens also retracted their tweets and started saying sorry for reposting the names and faces of the suspects out of anger.
“Guys, I just deleted my tweet re: Christine Dacera. With my reach, it was imprudent and irresponsible of me to have tweeted in such an emotional, triggered state without having all the facts,” said activist Francis Baraan.
It was on Monday when Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Debold Sinas first claimed they have supposedly “solved” Dacera’s case, which he described as “rape-slay,” even as supporting evidence on the true cause of her death has yet to be disclosed. Three of the alleged suspects were in their custody. They were John Pascual dela Serna, Rommel Galido, and John Paul Halili.
“I also admit that I felt anger towards the suspects as rape is a taboo topic here in the Philippines. There are still a lot of misconceptions and victim blaming which is why I talked about it,” said @_rheiyyy. “I apologize.”
READ: TIMELINE: The Christine Dacera Case
Dacera was last seen partying with at least 12 men at the City Garden Hotel in Poblacion, Makati City to welcome the New Year. The next day, she was found lifeless in the bathroom of her room, with the nearby Makati hospital declaring that her death was caused by “ruptured aortic aneurysm.”
Makati City Police Chief Col. Harold Depositar said traces of semen were found during the genital examination of Dacera’s remains. He and Sinas insisted there was “use of force” based on bruises and lacerations on Dacera’s body. However, some of the suspects that have come forward noted that they were “gay.”
On Wednesday, the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office ordered the release of the three detained suspects, citing the need for the police to submit the results of the DNA analysis, toxicology report, and histopath examination. A preliminary investigation on the other suspects is yet to be conducted.
Dacera’s remains were flown to her hometown in General Santos City earlier in the morning for a private funeral with her family and close friends.
before i sleep i’d just like to reiterate how absolutely sorry i am for helping to spread misinformation :(( the authorities’ statements were misleading and confusing (and still are) so i hope you can understand. regardless, rape will never be okay, though
— kakie (@kakiep83) January 6, 2021
I am one of those who posted using the term "rape" and the hashtag justice because the authorities said it was rape. I feel ashamed but also so confused with the conflicting reports. The call for justice remains, but justice to find the truth for both Christine and the accused.
— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) January 6, 2021
Guys, I just deleted my tweet re: Christine Dacera.
With my reach, it was imprudent & irresponsible of me to have tweeted in such an emotional, triggered state w/o having all the facts. I published inaccurate information w/ so many blinders on, & have unwittingly wronged others.
— Francis Baraan IV (@MrFrankBaraan) January 5, 2021
