Negros Oriental declares ‘Philippine Looper’ persona non grata over controversial remarks

• Negros Oriental’s provincial board declared Ferdinand Dela Merced persona non grata after his online comments sparked backlash
• Officials said his remarks insulted local authorities and residents during Typhoon Tino’s emergency operations
• Dela Merced defended himself, claiming he only wanted a certificate for his Guinness World Record documentation
• Despite the controversy, the “Philippine Looper” has continued his journey, receiving a warmer welcome in Cebu

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental has declared Ferdinand Dela Merced, known online as the “Philippine Looper,” persona non grata following his controversial statements on social media during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

In its regular session on November 10, Vice Governor Fritz Diaz approved a motion from Board Member Erwin Macias to pass the resolution, which cited Dela Merced’s remarks as disrespectful to both the local government and residents.

Dela Merced, who is attempting to visit every province in the Philippines, drew criticism after posting online that disasters occur yearly and accused some local officials of lacking hospitality during his November 1 visit, when authorities were busy responding to the typhoon.

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According to Macias, the influencer’s comments unfairly damaged the province’s reputation, especially since he had been given free accommodation at the Provincial Convention Center through government assistance.

The resolution emphasized that his behavior contradicted values of respect and gratitude expected from guests.

In response, Dela Merced clarified that he never sought a warm welcome, only a certificate of appearance for his Guinness record documentation.

However, he claimed that some LGU employees were dismissive during his courtesy visit.

Despite issuing a public apology, many residents viewed his statements as insensitive, given the ongoing storm response.

As of now, Dela Merced has not commented further on the persona non grata declaration. Reports indicate he has resumed his nationwide trek and has been warmly received in Cebu province.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Caught by CCTV, three men entered their store, closed the roll-up door, and shot the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even grabbed a bag and a mobile phone from the victim. In a report by Gary De Leon of TV 5's 'Frontline Pilipinas,' the family started getting threats after lending P1-M to one of the residents of their barangay; allegedly using the money for business.

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In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big argument.

Source: KAMI.com.gh