POLICE personnel were told to ensure the orderly and honest distribution of assistance in areas that continue to give cash aid to those affected by the pandemic.
This was the instruction given by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, who urged personnel deployed in aid distribution should be alert.
They should also be ready to assist in making sure that those getting the cash assistance are the ones who are on the official list of beneficiaries.
This came after the arrest of a barangay chairman and three other individuals in Manila for allegedly stealing the cash assistance intended for qualified beneficiaries. The suspects supposedly used faked dentification cards and falsified some documents to get the cash assistance that was not intended for them.
“I commend all the PNP personnel responsible for the arrest of those barangay officials who are taking advantage of the pandemic at the expense of our poor kababayan in Manila,” said PGen. Eleazar.
“I’ve already instructed the RD (Regional Director), NCRPO, to make sure to file stronger cases against these erring barangay officials,” he added.
The local police were also tasked to coordinate with higher local government officials to discuss the steps that need to be undertaken to prevent this from happening again.
He also urged the public to report to authorities if they know some irregularities happening during aid distribution.