Sogod Mayor Refutes Viral Fake News About Foreign Travel
The official Facebook page of the Municipality of Sogod Public Information Office has officially debunked viral social media photographs that falsely showed Mayor Lissa Marie "Monyeen" Durano-Streegan and other officials from the 5th District on an international journey. The mayor herself has strongly denied these allegations, stating she never planned or applied for any foreign travel.
Mayor's Firm Denial and Clarification
In a statement given to SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Mayor Streegan was unequivocal: "I did not submit any request for authority to travel because I had no plans to travel." She emphasized her continuous presence in Sogod, especially during the recent series of natural disasters that affected the community.
She clarified that the images circulating online were not recent, but were actually taken two years ago. "I was in Sogod the whole time — during the earthquake, typhoon Tino, and typhoon Uwan," the mayor stated, expressing frustration over the misleading use of the old photographs.
Streegan highlighted the core issue, pointing out, "The focus here is why that picture was used insinuating that I was not around during Tino when I was." She issued a direct appeal to the public, urging them to practice diligence and critical thinking before posting information online, saying, "Please stop spreading fake news. And please be diligent before posting."
DILG Confirmation and Official Travel List
Adding official weight to the mayor's statements, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed that Mayor Streegan was not among the group of 5th District mayors who traveled to the United Kingdom. This verification was reported by SunStar Cebu on Monday, November 10.
A document sourced by ABS-CBN from the DILG Central Office, titled "FTA Issued by the Governor – People’s Governor Pamela Baricuatro," listed the local chief executives who were granted Foreign Travel Authority (FTA) for the UK trip in November. The officials on the list were:
- Mayor Aljew Frasco of Liloan
- Mayor Edgar Rama of Poro
- Mayor Greman Solante of Tudela
- Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. of San Francisco
- Mayor Manuel Santiago of Pilar
- Mayor Avis Ginoo-Monleon of Catmon
- Mayor Felijur Quiño of Compostela
- Provincial Board Member Andrei Duterte
The document also noted that Borbon Mayor Nico Dotillos was granted permission but subsequently canceled his trip. Furthermore, the DILG's detailed verification revealed that only four officials—Santiago, Rama, Solante, and Duterte—had their FTAs fully approved by both the governor and the DILG’s Foreign Travel Authority Portal.
Focus Remains on Sogod's Welfare
Amid the controversy, Mayor Streegan reassured her constituents that her primary focus remains on the welfare of Sogod in the aftermath of typhoon Tino. In a message to the Sogoranons, she acknowledged the impact of the typhoon while affirming her commitment.
"Although we were hit, it was not as bad as the other towns and cities," she said. "To the Sogoranons, I will always have their best interest as my priority and that I will always be here for them." This statement reinforces her dedication to local governance and disaster response, countering the false narrative of her absence.
