Man dies at actress’ community pantry

MANILA, Philippines — A senior citizen died while waiting in line at a community pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin in Quezon City, which attracted at least 5,000 people yesterday.

Rolando dela Cruz, 67, was declared dead on arrival at the East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City Police District Station 14 commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bilaro said.

“The victim fainted while waiting for his turn at the community pantry,” Bilaro said in a Viber message.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city will shoulder Dela Cruz’s burial expenses and extend financial assistance to his family.

She also reminded community pantry organizers to practice foresight in pursuit of kind and compassionate activities, requesting them to coordinate with local officials that can assist in crowd control.

“While Quezon City will continue to throw its full support behind community pantry initiatives, this unfortunate incident should serve as an important reminder for organizers to please be reminded of my appeal to coordinate all efforts with the barangay, and if necessary, with the local government unit,” she said.

“The barangay and local government are here to assist with crowd control and health protocols, to ensure that untoward incidents are minimized. Advanced coordination will allow all stakeholders to be proactive, rather than reactive. Sadly, in this case, we were not advised regarding any plans, which would have surely made a difference in the outcome of today’s events,” she added.

Año orders probe

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the police has to conduct an investigation into Dela Cruz’s death.

“We cannot ascertain yet who could be held liable until the completion of the investigation,” he said.

Año asked community pantry organizers to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and police for assistance following Dela Cruz’s death.

“It’s the organizer’s responsibility to impose health standards. That’s the primary reason why they have to coordinate with the LGUs, so that the latter can provide assistance,” he told reporters.

Apologies

Locsin apologized to those who were affected, stressing that it was never her intention as she only wanted to help people during her birthday.

“We started organized. Although there was a long queue, the people were practicing social distancing,” she added in Filipino.

At some point, however, she said some people who did not receive stubs jumped the line, resulting in the crowding and lack of social distancing that were caught in photos.

Locsin said they also coordinated the activity with the city and the barangay, noting that enforcers, the police and the military were there to assist.

“For those who were affected, I am sorry. This is not our intention and whatever preparations we made to avoid this were not able to control (the people),” she added.

The actress also apologized to those who were not able to receive aid, saying they will instead send the donations that remain to people and community pantries in the area.   – Romina Cabrera