By NG Seruela
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday (April 19) denied ordering the Philippine National Police (PNP) to probe community pantries after reports of police closing some of them down.
“I have not ordered the PNP to look into the community pantries around the country,” he said in a statement.
Año said the community pantry is a “traditional practice” in the Philippines as part of the “bayanihan culture and spirit” of the Filipinos particularly during times of crisis.
“Iba-iba lang ang pangalan [It is called different names]: community pantry, food bank, soup kitchen, kapitbahayan [neighborliness], and ayuda [help], among others. In the spirit of bayanihan, many Filipinos have been doing selfless acts of kindness since last year,” Año said.
He added that “as long as the intention is good and without political color, it should be encouraged as long as health standard protocols are complied with.”
Año also reminded organizers to always abide by the law and local ordinances.
“The PNP and/or local officials may just come in if there is any violation of the law or if there are complaints from the community, or if the organizers seek their help,” he said.
“The LGUs [local government units], barangays, and the PNP are ready to provide utmost assistance to ensure orderly distribution to the public.” -jlo
