A senior citizen in Quezon City passed away today after fainting in a community pantry organized by Angel Locsin amid starvation caused by lockdowns.
It will be recalled that such efforts were initiated in response to the “slowness” of assistance received by residents in areas locked down due to COVID-19, which is a reason why many are unable to work.
According to a report by The STAR and News5, senior citizen Rolando dela Cruz was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, Friday, after fainting in Angel Locsin’s community pantry. There are not many details about the incident yet.
On Thursday, Angel Locsin announced that her community pantry will be held in conjunction with her birthday today, as a “tribute to the bayanihan of the Filipinos.” “Anyone is welcome. But please make sure to follow protocols,” the actress said.
However, some health protocols are no longer followed and many people showed up.
Also read: Data privacy law ‘possibly’ violated in profiling of community pantry organizers: DOJ
67-year-old dies after lining up in community pantry of Angel Locsin
Angel explained on her Instagram that the gathering started well but the overcrowding made social distancing impossible.
“Maayos naman po kami, may mga stubs naman po na pinamigay. Then parang ‘yung mga walang stubs sumingit sa pila. Naiintindihan ko naman po kasi kanina pa sila sa pila pero ayon ‘yung naging dahilan kaya nagsiksikan,” the actress said.
“Sa lahat po ng naabala ngayon, pasensya na po. Hindi po ito talaga ang intensyon natin. Kahit anong paghahanda namin para ma-avoid ‘yung gantong gulo, hindi lang talaga siya ma-control kahit na nandito na ‘yung munisipyo, military, pulis, barangay.”
Angel Locsin also apologized to everyone who could not be given free food today. She added that she might just send the remaining goods to make more use of them.
Earlier, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said that for several days now, the Task Force Disiplina and barangay leaders have been helping to maintain “peace and order” in the said community pantries, something that some government agencies continue to red tag.