MPD lends a hand to typhoon victims

The Manila Police District (MPD) turned over to The Philippine STAR’s Operation Damayan charity arm yesterday some 63 boxes of instant noodles and 33 boxes of canned sardines as an expression of their sympathy for the victims of typhoon "Reming" in Bicol that left nearly 1,300 people dead or missing.

The food aid, dubbed "Tulong sa Bicol," was initiated by MPD acting director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa in cooperation with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and the MPD Press Corps as a humane gesture of "sympathy and support to our countrymen in times of distress."

The more than 3,000-strong MPD personnel were tasked to contribute at least a can of sardines and a pack of instant noodles.

Organizers said the 3,000 cans of sardines and 3,000 packs of noodles would be enough to feed several barangays for a single day.

"This is our own small way of assisting our countrymen in distress. Though our food donation maybe compared as minuscule to other donors, my men are fully aware that the small donation may go a long way in alleviating the plight of our suffering people in Bicol," Abarzosa said.

Abarzosa started the ball rolling by donating a box of sardines and two boxes of instant noodles. He ordered his 11 station commanders and chiefs of headquarters support unit to take charge in gathering the donations.

Other donations began pouring in yesterday, including a sack of rice and used clothing.

The donations were deposited at the offices of the Manila Police District Brotherhood Association, Inc.

The MPD Press Corps, headed by its president Francis Naguit, also solicited food donations from corporate and individual supporters.

In simple ceremonies yesterday, the donations were turned over by Abarzosa to Philippine STAR’s Operation Damayan representative Julie Barnachea.

Operation Damayan, which is conducting its own relief drive for the tyhoon victims, will distribute the MPD’s donations to the victims over the weekend.

Staff of Operation Damayan will go to Guinobatan town in Albay tonight to distribute relief goods.

Disaster officials said more than 1,500 villages in 100 municipalities and nine cities across the Bicol region were affected by the typhoon and mudslides.

"What we need now are medicines, temporary shelters and food. We also need water containers and purifiers because we do not have sources of clean water," officials said.