A Filipina in Dubai has become the subject of a hate campaign after a comment in her name was posted on a social networking site saying the devastating storm in her home country was "deserved". Jacqueline Bermejo, a marketing professional, released a statement defending herself yesterday after being vilified on the internet after the comment, from an account in her name, was posted on Facebook saying "so many sinners" back in the Philippines deserved what happened.
She said someone posing as her started setting up accounts about two years ago. She contacted the Dubai police about the issue eight months ago. "I didn't want to but I've been forced to come out and defend myself," Ms Bermejo said. "I would never, ever have made a comment like that. I love my country and I have seen the devastation that can be caused by typhoons first hand. "This has massively affected my family, my friends, my reputation and my work. It has been absolutely devastating to be so hated. I just can't understand why anyone would want to do this to me.
She said she was "shocked and alarmed" when a friend called her to tell her about the Facebook post. She said she had been bombarded with obscene and threatening e-mails and phone calls since then. More than 240 people were killed in the typhoon that battered Manila on Saturday. lmorris@thenational.ae
