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LOOK: How netizens pulled off an online ‘bayanihan’ for a pulmonary tuberculosis patient who got pranked by an ‘apologist’

An online ‘bayanihan’ was started on Twitter yesterday, January 26, after a TB patient shared his traumatic experience of getting scammed by a netizen who promised to help him with his medication..

Many empathized with and extended help to a pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patient, who shared on Twitter how he got tricked by a guy who promised to hand him vitamins but did not show up at their agreed meeting place.

An online ‘Bayanihan’ was started on Twitter yesterday, January 26, after a TB patient shared his traumatic experience of getting scammed by a netizen who promised to help him with his medication.

Jan Arizapa used the social media platform to vent his frustration after a merciless netizen messaged him to meet up, and give him vitamins that could help him with his medication. In reality, however, the good deed turned out to be just a prank or a scam as some netizens would call it.

“Para dun sa apologist na pinapunta ako sa Robinson, Dasma last night kasi bibigyan daw ako ng vitamins tapos hindi ako sinipot—I hope you’re happy now. You were probably laughing last night kasi i’m too gullible while i was crying palabas ng mall…Napakasama ng ugali mo!,” Jan’s announcement on Twitter, reads. He attached screenshots of the conversation he had with the unnamed guy, who apparently has a different political view than Jan’s.

Following how the conversation went, based on Jan’s screenshots, it can be concluded that the alleged ‘prankster’ might have just changed his mind when he found out that the TB patient was an Angat Buhay supporter. It can be noted, however, that it was impossible to miss such a detail about Jan, as his username, itself, indicates that he is indeed an Angat Buhay supporter. Angat Buhay is a non-profit organization founded by former Vice President, Atty. Leni Robredo.

 “Sa Angat Buhay ka humingi ng tulong, ‘di ba maraming pera si nanay Lenlen nyo? “Bye!” was the only response the mysterious guy gave after Jan repeatedly asked if he was still coming to their meeting place.

Many netizens expressed their being distraught and their realizations of the incident. Showbiz columnist, vlogger, and comedian, Ogie Diaz, was among those whose attention was caught by Jan’s original tweet. “Sana hindi na lang pinagod yung nangangailangan,” he said.

Here are different reactions from netizens to this:

https://twitter.com/Jowwaynee/status/1617767272197816320

 

Some netizens extended help to Jan, via a fund transfer application.

https://twitter.com/itschesterbasa/status/1618214372631007234

 

As of writing, help continues to arrive for Jan, who not only touched many’s hearts but also reminded us to be vigilant when talking to strangers online.

Written by JE C.C.

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