Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said those who build community pantries do not need to obtain a permit from the local government.
According to the secretary, those who will install community pantries only need to contact their local government.
“There is no requirement for a permit. But organizers must coordinate with the LGUs. This is a local issue and we defer it to the LGU concerned,” Año explained in a text message to GMA News Online.
Earlier, DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said that community pantries must have permits to ensure that health protocols are implemented due to the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Año had earlier said that police and local government officials should not interfere with community pantries organized by private people.
Año made the statement following a report of alleged “red-tagging” and profiling by some police.
Also read: Red-tagging of Maginhawa community pantry condemned
DILG Sec. Año: Community pantries don’t need a permit
The leadership of the Philippine National Police denied that they had a directive to conduct profiling of those behind the community pantries.
According to Año, the police should only ensure that minimum health standards are enforced in community pantries, and the police will only intervene if there is a violation of the law.
Meanwhile, the Maginhawa community pantry in Quezon City reopened this Wednesday.
Organizer Ana Patricia Non temporarily closed it on Tuesday due to fears for the safety of volunteers due to red-tagging incidents.
Hundreds went this Wednesday but police allowed them to line up at 5 am in accordance with the curfew.
“Starting today gusto po namin sana na magfocus tayo dun sa community pantry. Mas madaming sumusuporta naman po kesa bumabatikos. Ayaw ko po ibuhos ang energy ko sa mga taong hindi nakakaintindi,” said Non.
“Kung may doubts pa po ang tao sa community pantry, bisita po sila sa kahit saang community pantry sa Pilipinas kasi hindi lang po dito ang umaani ng supporta, 120 na po ang community pantries sa buong Pilipinas.”
Community pantries continue to grow across the country. In Manila, Paco Church turned a store that closed due to the pandemic into a community pantry.