MANILA — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Tuesday extended assistance to victims of a fire that razed a residential area along Legarda corner Delgado Streets in Sampaloc, Manila.
The top presidential aide delivered necessary assistance such as cash and grocery packs to the over 800 fire victims.
“President Rodrigo Duterte sent me to personally oversee the distribution and extend other assistance that the Office of the President can provide,” Go said during the distribution of relief goods to 270 families or 822 individuals that are currently housed at the Palmera Basketball Court.
He then assured the victims that the national government will provide additional assistance for their recovery and rehabilitation.
The Malacanang official said they will coordinate with Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for the restoration of electricity in the area.
“We will call Meralco and ensure the lines will be reconnected as soon as possible,” he added.
Go also appealed to the barangay officials in the area headed by Chairperson Cynthia Escauso, to continue helping the fire victims until they are able to go back to the place where they used to live.
“To the barangay captain, please don’t abandon them and continue to provide assistance until they are settled in the area where they used to live,” he said.
Meanwhile, Go continued his 'Sapatos ni SAP, Tsinelas ka-Swap' program where he traded in his shoes for the slippers of one of the fire victims.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said it received the alarm at 6:23 p.m. Sunday and Task Force Alpha was raised at 7:32 p.m., as the fire already razed around 80 houses and establishments.
The fire also engulfed a portion of the annex building of the University of Manila.
PRRD not condoning killings
Go, meanwhile, reiterated that the govermment is not condoning acts of violence or killings.
“The President does not accept the killings, and the Duterte administration does not allow for such killings to happen,” the Malacanang official added.
The top presidential aide made the remarks following the assassination of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili.
When asked whether the President was invited to the wake of slain Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili, Go said, “If they have an invitation for PRRD to attend the wake, then I will see to it that he will be informed.”
Halili was shot dead by an unidentified gunman during the flag-raising rites at the Tanauan City Hall on July 2. (PNA)
