Palace denies aid has not reached ‘Yolanda’ victims

Sec. Herminio Coloma. PHOTO BY LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Monday belied reports that remote areas in Eastern Visayas were yet to receive relief assistance despite millions in international aid pouring in.

“Relief and assistance has reached all of the 591 municipalities in 44 provinces covered by nine regions that were hit by Supertyphoon Yolanda,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, citing a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“This is based on verified reports from municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils headed by mayors. Remote outlying barangays (villages) have been reached by helicopters and small seacraft carrying relief distributed by social workers and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel,” he said.

The Palace also described as “unverified” reports that some of the aid sent by the British government for typhoon victims had ended up being sold in Metro Manila.

“There is a need to verify further where exactly the alleged diversion occurred so that specific responsibility may be pinpointed,” Coloma stated.

Coloma urged the public to report the matter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or the Philippine Information Agency “so that law enforcement authorities may take proper action.”—Christian V. Esguerra

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