DILG spox: Gov’t heard appeal of QC protesters; warns public on agenda of leftist groups

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said the local government of Quezon City is already doubling its efforts in addressing the concerns of some Sitio San Roque residents appealing for food and assistance during this period of strict quarantine.

"Let me say first that the concerns raised by those groups who protested yesterday in Quezon City are legitimate. The government has heard their pleas," DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told CNN-Philippines.

"The Quezon City government is now working overtime to be able to give relief goods to those affected by this COVID-19 especially in the area in Barangay Pag-asa," Malaya added.

Twenty-one residents were nabbed after they reportedly formed a barricade along EDSA service road as they appealed for food from the local government.

Police said they had ordered the residents to return to their homes. The residents refused, prompting authorities to arrest them.

They will be facing charges for violations of Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal As One Act), Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act), and the Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or Agents).

'Leftist agenda'

Meanwhile, Malaya warned the public against the agenda of leftist groups during this time of crisis. He said the DILG has been receiving reports that leftists in various parts of the country are agitating the public to conduct protest actions.

"We all know the record of Kadamay (Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap). Kadamay, as we all know, is a front organization of the CPP-NPA and of the NDF. We know the agenda of this group..." Malaya said.

"We now see the agenda, there's a political agenda to agitate and mobilize the people. Let's put [that] into perspective," Malaya added.

Earlier reports have said Kadamay was behind the rally that took place in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa.

President Rodrigo Duterte already warned left-leaning groups against staging riots during this period of public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News