MAKILALA, North Cotabato— Defense Secretary and Martial Law administrator Delfin Lorenza directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to set up check points in the areas affected by the series of earthquake in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
In an undated Martial Law Instructions, obtained by NewsLine on Sunday Morning, November 3, it states “All check points control and screen the ingress and egress of the people in evacuation centers to ensure that only legitimate and authorized relief workers are granted access to evacuation centers and receive relief goods and supplies for distribution to the evacuees.
It further states “The order shall effect immediately and shall be valid until further notice.”
Ramon Edison Batacan, a veteran Lawyer and former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Davao Chapter), raised questions on Lorenzana’s order, “Mr sec, please answer : Who are deemed legitimate relief workers?”
Batacan also questioned “Is there a standard for this? Why are voluntary donors cut from accessing evacuation centers? Do donors need accreditation to have access to evacuation centers?”
Quake survivors have been complaining of the snail-paced relief operations leaving them in hunger, a condition which prompted them to initiate their way of soliciting support from motorist and friend.
Many concerned individuals directly send donations to quake victims because local government units and their employees are also affected, they too have to fend for their families and do not have enough manpower. –Editha Z. Caduaya
