Earthquake victims received assistance from the members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who donated their subsistence allowance to buy food packs and medicines. The relief goods were distributed to five barangays in Makilala Elementary School in North Cotabato on Tuesday.
In his message, PSG Chief Brig. Gen Jose Eriel Niembra said the relief goods came from the one-day subsistence allowance for the 2,700-strong member troops.
“I can say our donations really came from the heart of our troops,” he said.
“I know there are many affected, even maybe there are some members of the NPA who are here or their relatives, but in this times of difficulties, our government was not thinking of ideological and political orientation, ” Niembra said.
The PSG coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of Makilala for the proper distribution of the relief goods.
In an interview yesterday at the area, Niembra, said they have decided to dispense one day subsidience allowance from 2,700 personnel of the PSG.
The PSG is composed of Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Naval Special Operation Group, Police, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Special Action Force, Philippine Coast Guard and personnel of Metro Manila Development Authority, especially in Manila they control the traffic.
Also present was Col. Randolp Cabangbang, the chief of staff of the PSG, and Lt Col Rhojun Rosales, commander the 39th Infantry Battalion.
They have distributed 500 foodpacks and boxes of medicines to more or less 800 quake victims who came from barangays Poblacion, Luayon, Batasan, Malasila, and Saguing.
In a separate interview of Barangay Poblacion Chairman Eric Caesar Quibod, he said the assistance was timely considering that a number of the relief goods were washed away by the strong storm that battered the area.
“Some relief goods were kept but some were really washed coming from other donations so the PSG donation now is a big help as an additional supply, ” Quibod said.
He also called on the higher agencies to donate quality tents that can withstand strong winds and heavy rains. For the past 12 days in the evacuation center, Lory Quizon, 69, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, said their tent was damaged by the storm.
“These foodpacks we received will be the ones we will eat, it is a big help to us,” she said.
