New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have allegedly caused the food poisoning of earthquake evacuees in an evacuation site in Brgy. Malabuan, Midsayap, Cotabato on Monday.
About 31 earthquake evacuees or “internally displaced persons” were brought to different hospitals after they ate spoiled meals and got food poisoned in an evacuation center in Malabuan Elementary School in Brgy. Malabuan, Makilala, Monday night.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said they received information that a group of NPA rebels was behind the food poisoning of the earthquake victims.
“We received information that it’s the NPA rebels,” said Jalad.
According to Jalad, they are currently verifying the military report alleging that the militants have dispersed personnel to beg food in the streets to humiliate the government.
The official said the rebels were behind the distribution of the spoiled chicken pastel and rice wrapped in leaves, which poisoned the unfortunate earthquake victims the NPA used for their propaganda.
Jalad said it is puzzling why groups are begging for food on the highways when quake victims know that there are foods at evacuation centers.
Earthquake victims in Cotabato are already begging for help because of food and water shortage due to the severe damage they suffered during three major earthquakes in Mindanao.
Residents were holding placards begging and waving at passing motorists for water, rice, medicine, tarp, and other necessities.