Convenience store chain to take action vs. vlogger who went inside chest freezer
A convenience store chain is looking into pursuing legal action against a vlogger who went inside its chest freezer for content.
In a Facebook post on June 20, Alfamart said it takes the issue "very seriously" and has launched a thorough investigation.
"This is to address the videos and photos circulating on social media that depict the unauthorized and harmful use of our store equipment," it said.
The store warned that it's "compelled to pursue legal action against those responsible for the improper use of our store equipment."
"This also extends to any other individuals who may imitate or adopt similar behavior, as it is crucial for us to protect our company's brand and reputation," it said.
The store assured the public that it had taken "swift action" upon discovering the incident.
"All ice products were immediately removed, the storage equipment was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and new ice products were replaced," it said. "We will always uphold our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygienic practices and safety measures to protect our valued customers."
In a viral TikTok post, the vlogger can be seen lying inside a freezer over packs of ice wth her feet bare. She can be seen smiling and laughing while placing her hands on the glass from inside.
On June 22, the vlogger came forward through an apparent burner account.
"Yes, ako po ‘yung notorious na babae sa viral video ‘yung humilata lang naman sa freezer na parang end of the world na," she said. "Alam ko po, nakakabigla, nakakagalit, nakakahiya... at kung anu-ano pang nakaka sa paningin ng iba. So eto na po linawin ko lang."
"Walang kasong isinampa. Wala pong hinabla. Ang kailangan ko lang daw ay public apology, kaya heto na po, buong social media world para sa inyo ito," she continued.
"Humihingi po ako ng pasensiya sa Alfamart, sa kanilang mga kustomer, at siyempre sa mga taong halos hindi makatulog sa ginawa ko," she said. "Hindi ko po layuning i-violate ang mga sanitation rules promise, hindi ko talaga pinlano ‘yun as a crime of the year."
She noted that she just wishes to make the audience laugh through her content.
"[P]ero ayun nga, may mga tao talagang hindi natawa. Gets ko naman po na KJ (killjoy) ung iba at hindi lahat ng joke ay swak sa panlasa ng lahat," she said.
She told those who supposedly overreacted to extend the same energy to larger national issues.
"Sana po pareho ang effort niyo sa mga mas seryosong isyu sa lipunan gaya ng hindi tinuloy na pag taas ng sahod ng mangagawa," she said.
The vlogger also posted fake links about her "personal apology" and visit to the store, leading to e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada.
Alfamart, based in Indonesia, has over 2,000 branches in the Philippines through a partnership with SM Investments Corporation.
