DILG Sec says he did not order inquiry on community pantries

Quezon City, Philippines – Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año in a statement on Tuesday said he did not order the Philippine National Police to look into community pantries around the country.

This is in connection to an incident involving policemen asking Maginhawa Community Pantry organizer, Ana Patricia Non, her contact details and organization.

“I have not ordered the PNP to look into the community pantries around the country. The community pantry has been a traditional practice in our country as part of Bayanihan culture and spirit especially in the times of calamities and disasters. Iba-iba lang ang pangalan, community pantry, food bank, soup kitchen, kapitbahayan and ayuda, among others,” Año said.

“As long as the intention is good and without political color, it should be encouraged and supported. Since this is a purely voluntary and private initiative, we should not interfere except to ensure that minimum health standards are complied with,” he added.

However, the Cabinet Secretary reminded that organizers must abide with existing laws and local ordinances especially those issued to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“As to the issue of whether organizers are required to secure barangay permits, organizers should consult with the concerned barangays if such is required,” he said.

The PNP and/or local officials, he stated shall only interfere if there is violation of the law, if they received complaints from the community and if the organizers ask for their assistance.

“The LGUs, barangays and the PNP are ready to provide utmost assistance to ensure orderly distribution to the public,” he added.

In a statement, Non said the Maginhawa Community Pantry’s operation for today will be paused for their safety due to alleged red tagging.

“Hindi magandang balita. Bukas po pause po muna ang #MaginhawaCommunityPantry para sa safety po namin ng mga volunteers. Malungkot po dahil hindi muna maipapamahagi ang goods na inihanda namin buong maghapon dahil po sa #RedTagging na nagaganap,” Non wrote in a post.

“Humihingi din po ako ng tulong kay Mayor Joy Belmonte tungkol sa usapin na ito. Lalo na po ay hiningi po ng tatlong pulis ang number ko at tinatanong po kung anong organisasyon ko,” she further narrated.

In Kalinga, group of individuals inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry has also organized “Kalinga Community Pantry.” This will be opened on April 24 to yKalingas in need.

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