'Kalamidad lang 'yan': Philippine Looper declared persona non grata in Negros Oriental over controversial remarks
Ferdinand Dela Merced, known to followers on social media as Philippine Looper, has been declared persona non grata by the provincial government of Negros Oriental for his controversial remarks ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Tino.
In a video posted by the Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Board from its Nov. 10 regular session, board member Erwin Macias read the motion he authored to declare Dela Merced persona non grata in the province. News and public affairs program RPN DXKS Surigao reported that Negros Oriental Vice Governor Cezanne Fritz Diaz approved the motion, which Macias endorsed partly because of Dela Merced's "disrespectful and offensive" online comments about the local government and its constituents.
Dela Merced, who has one million followers on Facebook, is currently attempting to land in the Guinness Book of World Records by walking from Batanes to Jolo. He reportedly began his journey in January 2025, walking from KM 0 in Manila to Batanes.
In the motion to make Dela Merced persona non grata in the province, Macias narrated the circumstances that led to the declaration.
Dela Merced arrived in Dumaguete City on Nov. 1, when the local government was deep into carrying out disaster response preparations for the arrival of Typhoon Tino. Yet, according to Macias, the provincial government still provided Dela Merced complimentary accommodations.
Macias said despite the hospitality extended, Dela Merced went on social media on Nov. 3, alleging neglect by the provincial authorities and the tourism office. The social media personality, continued Macias, also described the arrival of typhoons as "routine" and called his appearance in the province as "rare."
The board member added that Dela Merced criticized the provincial officials' "lack of attention."
In one Facebook comment, the hiker wrote, "Kalamidad lang 'yan. Taon-taon nating nae-experience 'yan pero 'yung bumisita sa inyo, tatratuhin n'yo ng ganito sa LGU, eh 'wag naman."
After he was declared persona non grata, Dela Merced posted his reaction on Facebook, even tagging the Office of the President.
"No worries kesa naman tumagal ako sa lugar niya na sabihan ako ng eto na ang Philippine Blooper na palamunin ng bansa," Dela Merced wrote.
Dela Merced became a hot topic on social media as Internet users shared their reaction to his actions.
"Guinness Book of Bad Attitude," someone wrote.
"'Wag ka kasing feeling famous at demanding," another one said.
Some social media users were more forgiving. "He's just human. Let's not judge him," a Facebook user said, pointing out that he "simply wants to achieve something."
Dela Merced has posted a video he captioned "Public apology" on Facebook, asking for understanding and patience. He said he felt offended by what people were writing about him.
"Ikaw ba naman sabihan na, 'Andyan na si Philippine Blooper, palamunin ng bayan,'" Dela Merced said. "Sino'ng hindi sasakit ang loob doon?"
He explained that the world record was just a secondary goal. His real objective for walking through the entire Philippines, he said, was to find his father, whom he last saw when he was a child growing up in Nueva Ecija.
