Relief goods in Cebu for Yolanda victims stolen

Relief goods stocked at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City are being stolen, and authorities suspect a possible inside job.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III admitted the theft of the items meant for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), GMA Cebu reported.

The report said Davide and the provincial government's civil security unit are not discounting the possibility the thieves had inside help.

Investigators are reviewing closed-circuit television footage of the supposed theft, even as Davide ordered an investigation into the matter.

Most of the relief goods stored from the CICC were owned by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Davide said he is wondering why the DSWD in Central Visayas did not inform him about the theft.

For its part, the DSWD Central Visayas said the stolen relief goods were not its property.

"Meron tayong relief goods diyan dahil diyan tayo nagre-repack para i-deliver sa Northern Cebu. Ang in-charge namin nag-imbestiga na kahapon, tinawagan niya ang on duty na staff at nalaman na wala talagang nanakaw na goods," said DSWD Region 7 spokesperson Leah Quintana.

GMA News cited information from Cebu provincial capitol spokesperson Ethel Natera as saying the stolen items may have been from Gawad Kalinga.

Meanwhile, residents from Barangay Dumlog in Talisay City were evacuated from their homes Tuesday after water from big waves reportedly entered their homes.

At least 20 families fled their homes, the report said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News