Janno Gibbs in the music video of “Till They Take My Heart Away.” (Image from a YouTube video posted on JGTV)
MANILA, Philippines — Singer-songwriter Janno Gibbs choked up as he debunked online claims by vloggers pointing at him as the mastermind behind the death of his father, veteran film and television actor Ronaldo Valdez.
Gibbs likewise cast sarcastic words at these vloggers for spreading the fake news, which he said had already garnered hundreds of thousands of reactions and engagements from netizens on social media platforms.
“I don’t mind if it were a question mark or apparently if [there’s the word] umano but the thumbnail [image of the post] has no question mark. It’s a statement. There’s one thumbnail saying ‘Janno Gibbs admits sin against father Ronaldo,’” Gibbs said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, in a press conference.
According to Gibbs, a certain Mr. Balita released a series of fake news stating that he had already surrendered to authorities, was arrested, or even admitted involvement in his father’s death.
“How many likes did this get — 400,000 something? Can I have some of your earnings?” Gibbs said with a hint of sarcasm.
Other false information also included an alleged statement from his sister, actress Melissa Gibbs, expressing her supposed disdain for him, among many others.
“I just want to ask: Is this now low and desperate have become these days — for likes and views at the expense of our lives, my father’s reputation, my family?” Gibbs said.
“To these vloggers I mentioned, and even to netizens who shared this fake information, I want to say shame on you! Or better yet, f*ck you! That’s the better statement.”
Holding back his tears, Gibbs clarified that he came forward to explain the information, wishing that no one would experience the same ordeal that his family was going through.
Aside from sharing his experience, he called out the police force and sought a public apology after some officers supposedly committed lapses in handling the investigation of his father’s death.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) publicly apologized to him and his family.
The QCPD said that the police officers involved, even their superiors, were now facing administrative cases and criminal complaints would be lodged against the identified civilians who reportedly leaked Valdez’s video.