Manila Bulletin
Guevarra to law enforcers: ‘Leave pantry organizers alone’
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated that community pantries should be free from harassment and unnecessary intervention by law enforcers.
Guevarra emphasized that individuals engaged in acts of kindness and compassion should be left unbothered unless they are found to be violating any laws or regulations.
He also clarified that organizers of community pantries are not legally obligated to fill out any forms, as these initiatives are neither businesses nor illegal activities.
The DOJ Secretary also refrained from commenting on reported inspections and alleged red-tagging of community pantry organizers to avoid prejudging any potential cases.
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The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) supports community pantries, emphasizing that these initiatives should be replicated and supported rather than being subjected to profiling or red-tagging by authorities.
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The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has strongly condemned the "unjust profiling" of community pantry organizers, calling them "heroes of this pandemic" and stating that such actions may violate their right to privacy.
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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño initially stated that organizers of community pantries must seek permission from local government units (LGUs) to ensure compliance with health protocols and crowd control.
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The Maginhawa community pantry resumed its operations after a temporary halt due to red-tagging incidents and concerns for organizer Ana Patricia Non's safety.
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Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite questioned the Philippine National Police's (PNP) profiling of community pantry organizers in Manila.
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