Crowds gather sans social distancing to get cash aid as Palace deadline nears

Residents of some cities and towns failed to observe social distancing as they lined up to receive cash assistance from their local government  units a day before the national government's deadline for the first tranche to be distributed in full.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", residents of Lucena City were unable to observe social distancing as hundreds crowded to claim their financial aid.

“Ang nasa 8,000 na tao ay halos hindi natin ma-control at talagang merong mga matitigas ang ulo na gusto agad makakuha ng pera,” Lucena Police chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Romulo Albacea said.

The long lines lasted until Wednesday midnight.

“‘Yung atin pong mga ilang kababayan ay talagang pumunta na kaagad doon sa holding area natin kahit hindi pa oras ng kanilang barangay,” Albacea said.

“Pinipilit natin maging maayos ‘yung distribution and talagang dine-deploy natin ‘yung maximum number of our personnel,” he added.

A similar situation was observed in Malolos, Bulacan despite local authorities’ repeated reminders for residents in line to observe social distancing. -NB, GMA News

“Pinipilit namin lumayo, ‘yung iba nakikipagtulakan e,” a woman said.

Other residents wore their masks improperly.

In Bontoc, Mountain Province and Datu Montawal, Maguindanao, however, residents were able to observe social distancing and the distribution of aid went smoothly.

Malacañang earlier warned local governments that charges will be filed against them if they failed to distribute the first tranche of cash assistance by April 30. -NB, GMA News