After protest, QC ”working overtime” to help constituents: DILG

April 2, 2020

The local government of Quezon City is now ”working overtime” in providing assistance to their constituents, especially in Barangay Pagasa where residents held a protest in EDSA last Wednesday appealing for help, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

In an interview, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the ” concerns raised by these groups who protested yesterday in Quezon City are legitimate.”

“The government has heard their pleas… The Quezon City government is now working overtime to be able to give relief goods to those affected by this COVID-19, especially in the area in Barangay Pag-asa,” the DILG spokesman said.

On Wednesday, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested around 20 residents of Sitio Roque for not following the quarantine and refusing to follow the request of police for them to go home.

Residents claimed the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) urban poor group told them Quezon City will distribute relief goods in the areas where they held the protest.

Because of this incident, Malaya warned the public against the agenda of leftist groups as they received reports that militants in different parts of the country are agitating affected residents to conduct protests.

“We all know the record of Kadamay… as we all know (they are) a front organization of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army) and of the NDF (National Democratic Front of the Philippines). We know the agenda of this group… We now see the agenda, there’s a political agenda to agitate and mobilize the people. Let’s put it into perspective,” he said.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, the Quezon City government said there is continuous distribution of food packs, both from the local government and the barangays to ensure that affected families are looked after during this crisis period.

“As per COA guidelines, all recipients of food packs must be properly documented and the city government wishes to assure the public that this is strictly being complied with, and documents are available for scrutiny in the interest of transparency,” it said.

“Nevertheless, the mayor has instructed city personnel to review the list to make sure nobody has been inadvertently left out,” it added.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte appealed to QCPD to release the residents however, President Rodrigo Duterte last night ordered the police not to release those who were arrested.

“I will not tolerate. Those politicians who are asking to release them (protesters), do not play hero at this time because you would abet or is it that word – encourage people to violate the law. Now is the time to set an example to everybody. I’m not used to being frightened. Not me,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS