Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday expressed support for community pantries in the city and assured the safety of organizers following reports of red-tagging.
Last week, Quezon City resident Ana Patricia Non organized a community pantry along Maginhawa street that went viral, prompting similar efforts all over the country. On Tuesday morning, Non said the pantry would be closed following social media posts linking the movement to the communist rebellion.
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"I would like to personally assure Ms. Ana Patricia Non and other like-minded individuals that the local government of Quezon City fully supports Community Pantries. Indeed, these initiatives highlight the bayanihan spirit inherent in our QCitizens. The city government will therefore ensure that the organizers and beneficiaries of Community Pantries remain safe and unimpeded," Belmonte said in a statement.
The mayor clarified that members from Task Force Disiplina and barangay leaders are only present to remind the public to observe minimum health standards and to assist in controlling any crowds that may form.
"Early today, I reached out to Ms. Non and discussed her concerns about her safety and security," Belmonte said.
Police officials have been assigned to investigate Non's apprehensions and concerns.
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