MANILA, Philippines—Southeast Asian lawmakers on Thursday urged governments to support those who deliver food and aid during the COVID-19 pandemic instead of harassing and detaining them. The group was arrested while delivering food assistance to residents of Sitio Kalye Onse in Bulacan despite obtaining the necessary permits to transport goods. Santiago, meanwhile, had police question him and his staff for allegedly breaking Malaysia’s movement control order while distributing groceries and vegetables to constituents. The arrest happened despite Santiago getting approval for food distribution from Malaysia’s Welfare Department. “The fact that aid distribution is needed just shows the dramatic impact that lockdowns and movement restrictions can have on some of us.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 30, 2020 13:30 UTC