DILG requires LGU certification for relief operations

Groups planning relief operations in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) must first obtain certification from local government units (LGUs), according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya stated that unauthorized relief operations have been causing traffic congestion at checkpoints, with some groups using "palusot" or flimsy excuses to pass.

Lt. General Eleazar, Chief of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, noted that the presence of vehicles with relief operation tarpaulins has repeatedly stalled traffic.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año issued a directive requiring interested parties to secure LGU certification to legitimize their operations and prevent them from being mistaken as mere excuses to travel.

Malaya emphasized that proceeding directly to barangays to distribute relief goods without LGU clearance is unlawful and violates the stay-at-home policy and social distancing protocols, regardless of good intentions.