PNP to assist cash aid distribution for ‘Odette’ victims

DAVAO CITY- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Dionardo Carlos said Sunday they are awaiting further instructions and coordination with concerned government agencies for smooth implementation of the aid program in areas hit by typhoon Odette.

Carlos’ statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP to implement the cash aid distribution for typhoon victims in Visayas and Mindanao.

Duterte tasked Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año to supervise distribution of cash aid in urban centers while the military was tasked to manage aid distribution in hard to reach areas.  

According to Carlos, currently, the PNP continues its effort to assist in the transport and security of the relief goods for the calamity victims.

This will serve as the benchmark of the PNP whenever the police personnel will be asked to help in the distribution of cash aid, Carlos said.

“We noted challenges such as the absence of electric supply and the desire of people to get their aid first before anyone else. These may somehow delay the distribution because we want to make sure that there is peace and order,” Carlos said.

Carlos assures that PNP shall make it a protocol to coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGUs) or concerned government agencies to determine the orderly system of distribution.