DILG reminds donors to secure first permit from LGUs before holding relief efforts

April 26, 2020

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday reminded the public to seek a certification from the local government units (LGU) first before conducting relief efforts or donations in areas under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“Because based on the reports received by the Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield, a lot of people pass checkpoints and their excuse is they will conduct relief operation. So that becomes a problem because we our instruction is stay at home,” Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a virtual press briefing.

Because of this situation, Malaya said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año released a directive that all relief organizations need to show certification from LGUs showing their coordination for the relief operations.

“The relief organizations cannot directly go to barangay and distribute relief goods because that will violate our policy of stay at home at the same time, it violates the mass gathering and social distancing policies of the government,” he said.

“We appeal to all relief organizations to coordinate with your beneficiary LGU and ask certification from them first,” he added.

Malaya said this certification must be presented to checkpoints for them to be allowed to pass through.

The undersecretary said a lot of vehicles are placing signs such as "do not delay, food pass or relief organization."

“So in this system, the job of PNP is easier if you can show a certification coming from your recipient or beneficiary Local Government Unit,” he said.

On Saturday, two liquor ban violators were arrested in Binondo, Manila after 44 bottles of alcohol were found in their vehicle which also has a “do not delay” sign.

According to Manila Police District (MPD), during the conduct of thermal scanning and visual inspection in the checkpoint, the police officers saw alcoholic beverages at the back seat.

The suspects were further asked for pertinent documents such as Quarantine Pass and Rapid Pass but they failed to present any which resulted to their arrest. Ella Dionisio/DMS