‘ONLY IN FAR-FLUNG AREAS’

DILG spox Malaya says AFP, PNP will not distribute cash aid in Metro Manila

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said the police and military would not distribute cash assistance in Metro Manila, but only in far-flung areas.

"The AFP and PNP will only assist in isolated areas, in far-flung areas... hindi po sila ang mamimigay dito sa Metro Manila," DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told Dobol B sa News TV.

"Wala pong tao ang ating kapulisan to do that, wala naman pong expertise and training ang ating kapulisan to do that. It will still be through the regular channels, through the local government unit," he added.

Earlier, Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista said the agency has already been coordinating with the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police regarding their new task of assisting in the Social Amelioration Program aid distribution.

Bautista said this was upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to the AFP, the military is tasked to focus on areas where there are issues of corruption and security threat.

For its part, the PNP said security forces and concerned government agencies are now mapping out systems and procedures in the distribution of cash aid.

In Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said barangay officials will still help in the implementation of the cash aid program.

"Sa tingin ko iyong pagtawag sa ating mga sundalo para tumulong sa pamimigay ay hindi naman ibig sabihin ay itsapuwera na ang mga barangay, siyempre mayroon pa rin pong importansiya dahil kakilala nila iyong mga tao sa lugar," he said in a televised briefing.

"Pero naniniwala po ang Presidente na kung tutulong ang mga sundalo, mas magiging mabilis po ang proseso." — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News