Surigao del Norte solon says relief goods not being held in ports, warehouses

Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Jose "Bingo" Matugas on Friday warned against the proliferation of fake news amid the distribution of relief goods in Siargao Island.

In a statement, Matugas lamented the misinformation being spread about the relief operations on the island.

"Some people are using fake news to cover up their inability to carry out relief efforts. They are using trolls to cover up their lack of coordination with relevant agencies and private benefactors. Trolling becomes a substitute for helping revive Siargao's communities after the typhoon," Matugas said.

In a separate phone interview, Matugas said there were pieces of information spreading online that they are allegedly holding the relief goods in ports and that they are not supposedly being released to the typhoon victims.

The lawmaker denied all of the accusations.

"First, sinasabi nila na hinohold namin 'yung relief goods sa mga ports, hindi raw namin pinapapasok, tapos 'yung mga relief goods nandito daw lahat sa warehouse, hindi raw namin nire-release sa mga recipients, marami po... 'yun ang pinakamaraming fake news na lumalabas which is very untrue kasi may statement nga ang Coast Guard na hindi siya nangyari..." Matugas said.

He, however, admitted that some victims have not yet received their goods because of the challenges brought by lack of transportation.

"Mayroon talaga kasi marami kaming island barangay, 80% ng motorboats nasira kaya noong nandito si Presidente, humingi kami ng tulong na mabigyan kami ng rubber boats ng Coast Guard saka ng Navy." Matugas said.

According to Matugas, trolls are hoping that the donations will be turned over to their groups instead of allowing resources to go to the designated task force which helps Siargao Island to recover from the damage brought by Typhoon Odette.

"The relentless posting against relief efforts indicates that the trolls have too much time on their hands. They are not part of numerous tasks being carried out. They do not know the real situation because they are not on the ground facing the challenges of relief work on a daily basis," Matugas said.

Even this holiday season, Matugas said they would continue their relief operations for the victims.

According to Matugas, at least 25 were confirmed dead in Surigao del Norte, 18 of which were from Siargao Island.

He also said it is being targeted that by December 30, power supply will return in three towns in Siargao Island, including Dapa, General Luna, and Del Carmen. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News