DILG hears plea of QC protesters; warns public against leftist groups
By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on Thursday viewed as legitimate some issues raised by Sitio San Roque Barangay Pagasa residents who barricaded a portion of EDSA in protest over the Quezon City government’s alleged failure to provide them assistance in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
DILG undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) But Malaya noted their pleas were already heard, saying the Quezon City government is now expediting efforts to address the concerns of some Sitio San Roque residents who appealed for food and assistance during this period of strict quarantine. He noted that the Quezon City government gave the assurance that it is now working overtime to provide relief goods to the COVID-19-affected residents of Barangay Pag-asa. In Wednesday’s incident, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) nabbed 21 residents for reportedly setting up a barricade along EDSA service road while appealing for food from the Quezon City government. Police said they had ordered the residents to return to their homes but they refused, prompting authorities to arrest them. Meanwhile, Malaya warned the public against being swayed by the empty promises of leftist groups at this time of emergency crisis that would only sow discord in society. The DILG had received reports that leftist groups in various parts of the country are agitating the public to conduct protest actions. Earlier reports have said urban poor group Kadamay, described by Malaya as a leftist organization, was behind the rally that took place in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa. In an public address aired Wednesday night, President Duterte warned left-leaning groups against staging unlawful gatherings and protest actions at this time of public health emergency.
DILG undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) But Malaya noted their pleas were already heard, saying the Quezon City government is now expediting efforts to address the concerns of some Sitio San Roque residents who appealed for food and assistance during this period of strict quarantine. He noted that the Quezon City government gave the assurance that it is now working overtime to provide relief goods to the COVID-19-affected residents of Barangay Pag-asa. In Wednesday’s incident, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) nabbed 21 residents for reportedly setting up a barricade along EDSA service road while appealing for food from the Quezon City government. Police said they had ordered the residents to return to their homes but they refused, prompting authorities to arrest them. Meanwhile, Malaya warned the public against being swayed by the empty promises of leftist groups at this time of emergency crisis that would only sow discord in society. The DILG had received reports that leftist groups in various parts of the country are agitating the public to conduct protest actions. Earlier reports have said urban poor group Kadamay, described by Malaya as a leftist organization, was behind the rally that took place in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa. In an public address aired Wednesday night, President Duterte warned left-leaning groups against staging unlawful gatherings and protest actions at this time of public health emergency.