QCPD apologizes for social media post 'red-tagging' community pantry organizers

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Tuesday apologized to the community pantry organizers over a social media post supposedly red-tagging the volunteers.

In a statement, the QCPD said its director, Police Brigadier General Antonio Yarra, does not and will never allow red-tagging.

“The QCPD expresses sincere apology particularly to the affected party for the inconvenience that the inadvertent post could have caused and reassured of her safety and protection,” the QCPD said.

According to the QCPD, the post originated from the Facebook page of youth organization Peace Philippines whose legitimacy, it said, is being verified.

On Monday, Anna Patricia Non, organizer of the Maginhawa Community Pantry, which kickstarted the recent trend, said there would be a pause in their operations for the safety of its volunteers in light of the alleged red-tagging by government authorities.

In a statement on Tuesday, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed support to the organizers of community pantries, including Non.

“I would like to personally assure Ms. Ana Patricia Non and other like-minded individuals that the local government of Quezon City fully supports Community Pantries,” she said.

The QCPD said it is reaching out to community pantry organizers as it expressed interest in supporting the “noble cause” especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also reminded social media handlers to be more circumspect and sensitive in their task to protect the interest of the people and serve the public.

“We do not discredit any groups instead we encourage BAYANIHAN spirit in support to Mayor Joy Belmonte’s united stance to address the needs and plight of the people amidst the pandemic,” Yarra said.

Belmonte said she already requested Yarra to conduct an investigation into Non's apprehensions and experiences.

For his part, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered police and local government officials not to interfere with community pantries organized by private individuals.—KBK, GMA News