By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe Wednesday said they have identified the two motorcycle-riding men who spread false information on a tsunami, which triggered panic in parts of Cebu City after an earthquake struck at 11:49 a.m. last Monday.

Buenafe, in a press conference, said they have identified the suspected culprits and are only confirming their whereabouts.

He said the two, who were riding in tandem on a motorcycle, have no malicious motives but they face possible charges of tumults and other disturbance of public order under Article 153 of Revised Penal Code.

Witnesses told police the duo cruised the streets announcing that a tsunami already struck some coastal areas of Cebu City at 2 p.m. last Monday.

The tandem’s announcement contributed to the mass hysteria, even if authorities already lifted the tsunami alert by then.

Some residents from coastal areas of Barangay Pasil, Pardo, Inayawan, Mambaling and Labangon panicked and started evacuating to higher ground.

Students and office workers went out and ran for their lives. Roadside vendors abandoned their stalls.

In panic, some motorists left their vehicles on the road, contributing to a gridlock.