Palace denounces NPA’s alleged robbing of relief goods

April 12, 2020

Malacanang on Sunday condemned the incident in Northern and Eastern Samar where alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) robbed relief goods or forcibly collected foodstuff from the residents causing a shortage of goods intended for the beneficiaries.

“The Office of the President understands that NPA members may also be in need of food or other basic commodities for their survival. While the government is ready to provide relief or assistance to our brothers and sisters who are in dire need thereof, the same cannot be claimed through violence or threats,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said resorting to force or duress is unconscionable, especially given the national crisis the country is facing.

“In this time of state of calamity and public health emergency, we call on those operating outside of the law not to add burden to the very people they professed to fight for,” he said.

“Should they persist in their anti-nationalistic and unchristian acts, the constituted authorities shall repulse them at every turn,” he added.

According to the military, around 30 alleged NPA members robbed the relief goods for a community in Eastern Samar last Tuesday.

"According to witnesses who refused to be named due to fear, barangay officials were distributing relief packs to the needy families when an NPA group led by Gavino Quarino alias Mael summoned some of the barangay officials and forcibly took away some of the relief goods," Capt. Reynaldo Aranoges Jr., Army's 8th Infantry Division, spokesman said

Aragones said the act of the rebels caused the shortage of relief package where some of the supposed beneficiaries were unable to receive their intended share. Ella Dionisio/DMS