Some residents of Loboc, Bohol, have received expired rice aid, which, besides being smelly, is said to be black and rotten, according to a report by Unang Balita on Wednesday.
All tourism workers who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 received assistance.
According to Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, on October 16, the provincial government handed over the rice to local government units. If they were not distributed immediately, it would not be surprising that they were damaged.
Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan refuted the report and insisted that the rice was stored in a proper place. Calipusan asked just to replace the rice.
According to the National Food Authority in Bohol, the provincial government bought them no rotten rice.
The capitol will investigate the incident.
Last week, some typhoon victims in Virac, Catanduanes, said they received plastic bags full of expired rice during a relief operation.
According to Ian Simbulan’s “Stand for Truth” report on Monday, the residents said the rice had molds and was dark in color.
Expired rice
“Noong i-distribute namin na sako sako, may bumalik na ka-barangay ko, nagrereklamo na bulok daw ‘yung mga bigas nila. Mabaho at hindi na puwedeng kainin daw,” Barangay Igang chairman Ronnie Clemente said.
Some residents of Barangay Simamla also raised the same concern.
However, Virac Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento refuted claims that the expired rice came from the local government.
“Hindi po galing sa amin iyon kasi ang ipinamimigay namin ay puti ang balot hindi yellow. Tapos wala po kaming old stock, nawawalan nga kami ng stock eh… Sa amin po yung mga nagpa-pack, inaano namin na mag-check ng quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare Development Office immediately disposed of rice that is no longer safe to eat after the flood soaked it.
Local authorities also vowed to investigate the expired rice incident.