(File photo)
MANILA – Community pantry organizers should not fear police officers asking for some information, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday.
"There is no reason for you not to give your name if policemen approach you," Año told reporters in an interview.
Año said it is just normal for policemen to get this information from the organizers as a reference in case an untoward incident happens during these activities.
This came in response to the remarks of some community pantry organizers who said they felt threatened when policemen went to get their contact numbers and affiliations.
Año, however, said there is a limit on the kind of information police officers must get from community pantry organizers.
"Name, contact number, and a little background are enough if this is an organization giving assistance to our fellowmen," he said.
As this developed, Año said he has already ordered Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas to look into the death of elderly vendor Rolando dela Cruz, who lost consciousness while waiting in line at the community pantry set up by actress Angel Locsin in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City last week.
He added that the investigation will determine the possible liability of the actress and village officials over the incident. (PNA)
