Isko Moreno assures pantry organizers: Cops won’t arrest, harass you

Amid allegations that security forces were harassing and red-tagging them, Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Tuesday assured Manila's community pantry organizers that they would not be troubled nor arrested by authorities.

He also emphasized that the local government would not require special permits for pantries to operate.

“Walang ha-harass sa inyo na pulis. Hindi ninyo kailangan ng permit sa barangay,” Domagoso said during his COVID-19 report that was live-streamed on Facebook.

(Policemen won’t harass you. You don’t need to acquire special permits.)

He had also ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) to allow community pantries to operate freely.

“Ito ngayon ng polisiya ng Maynila na hindi kailangan ng permit ang paggawa ng kabutihan. Ang paggawa ng kabutihan ay may kusang paggawa may nakatingin o wala katulad noong ginawa nung Ana [Patricia Non],” said Domagoso, referring to the organizer who opened the first community pantry on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City.

(We don’t need a permit to be charitable, we perform charity with or without witnesses just like what Ana did.)

But Domagoso said he would not restrict the operations of community pantries as long as they followed minimum health standards.

The Philippine National Police had earlier been criticized after police officers questioned pantry organizers' identities and affiliations

The PNP said that no directives had been issued instructing police officers to accost and question community pantry volunteers.

Honesty community pantry

Domagoso also advised people to take goods that would just be enough for their family and thus give others the opportunity to get their share of food.

“Pangalawang panawagan ko, ito parang honesty community pantry. Ang payo ko naman: Kumuha lang ng sapat. Wag natin dinadakma ang 2 tray ng itlog. Isipin natin na may iba pang darating,” said Domagoso.

(Please take what is just enough for you, let’s not take two trays of eggs. Let’s think of others too.)

Earlier, a group of women were criticized on social media after they took everything offered at a community pantry in Kapitolyo, Pasig. — DVM, GMA News