The organizers of some community pantries in Quezon City are worried because of the threats they allegedly receive.
One of those who received the online threat was Rich Salas, organizer of the community pantry at Krus na Ligas in Quezon City.
He is said to be afraid for the safety of their female volunteers.
“‘Yong mga nagko-comment kasi sa mga post namin, nanghihingi ng names namin, ‘yong names ng mga organization namin… sino-sino ‘yong mga nagdo-donate sa akin, saan daw nanggagaling ‘yong pondo ko, ano daw ‘yong mga pinagkukunan ng expenses ko,” said Salas.
Nor did Claretian priest Fr. Educ Apungan, parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
He allegedly started receiving text threats after the Claret community pantry in Maginhawa coordinated.
“It’s considered a threat kasi ang word doon is hindi lang siya isusumbong, ‘yong word sa text is ‘ipapatimbog kitang walanghiya ka’,” said Apungan.
“Puwedeng biro pero ang dulo delikado ang ganyang mga biro,” he added.
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Community pantry organizers in QC receive threats
So Apungan challenged the government to protect the people and let the community pantries help others.
Recently, Ana Patricia Non, the head of the first community pantry on Maginhawa Street, also expressed her resentment.
In her Facebook post, Non said she couldn’t help but feel tired.
Apart from finding a safe place for an organizer who is allegedly profiled by the police, she also receives death and rape threats.
Despite the threats, people who are being helped in community pantries have pleaded.
“Bakit naman ho sila tatakutin, at least nakakatulong pa nga sila sa amin diba?” said Mayra Lomo.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar urged Non to file a complaint. Non had previously been involved in the communist movement without basis.
Eleazar also assured that the PNP is ready to give Non protection amidst the threats received.
On Friday is the first “monthsary” of the establishment of the Convenient Community Pantry.
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