ILOILO City – No order was given from Camp Crame to profile community pantry organizers, said Police Regional Office 6 Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong.
She said that pantries are not new since they had already them at the height of the pandemic last June 2020.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) conceptualized the “Bayanihan Kiosks” displayed in the town of Santa Barbara which offered free food or the means to cook made accessible to poor families and senior citizens.
“Indi na bag-o sa amon ang pantries,” said Malong, “nahimo na namon last year kaso lang gin tawag namon ang amon project na Bayanihan Kiosks kay ang food items mga donations naghalin sa may sarang sarang sa kabuhi. That’s why we support the pantries of the concerned individuals who have the heart for the families who need foods this time of pandemic provided they have to observe health protocols.”
Philippine National Police Chief General Debold Sinas earlier denied issuing orders to profile organizers of community pantries, saying that it is beyond the interest of the PNP to delve into the voluntary personal activities of private citizens.
The first pantry started in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. It went viral and inspired copies in other regions./PN
