PNP says it will not interfere with 'private sector initiatives'MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:07 p.m.) — Though he did not explicitly mention community pantries sprouting all around the country, Police Gen. Debold Sinas, PNP chief assured the public that the national police would not interfere with "voluntary private sector initiatives." "The PNP will not interfere in the activity of private groups to distribute aid to the people," he said in Filipino. "We will continue to extend utmost assistance to ensure smooth and orderly operations of private sector outreach activities with greater emphasis on the health and safety of both benefactors and beneficiaries of these public endeavors." This came after the QCPD's official social media channel shared posts baselessly accusing community pantries of being linked to communist rebels. He also promoted the PNP's similar effort, sharing reports of the continuing implementation of the PNP Food Bank Project that he said has benefitted some 35,512 families and 8,511 other individuals.

Source: Philippine Star April 21, 2021 06:26 UTC