Illegal sale of relief goods, City Officer denies involvement

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The City Social Welfare and Development officer on Tuesday denied allegations that she was involved in the illegal sale of relief supplies intended for Yolanda victims, said a report of ABS-CBN News.

"I am denying the allegations. I'm supporting the DSWD's move (to investigate)," said Liliosa Baltazar, referring to the sacks of rice, with the markings "DSWD supplies not for sale," discovered in an eatery and eventually confiscated by the agency.

The owner of the eatery implicated Baltazar and other CSWD officials, alleging that they had knowledge of the sale of the relief goods.

Baltazar, in denying the allegations, challenged the eatery owner to name the officials behind the sale. "Challenge namin na pangalanan sila, kasi pwede rin kami magresbak. It's unfair for all of us," she said, adding that she welcomes the DSWD investigation on the matter.

After the discovery of the illegal sale of the sacks of rice, distribution of relief goods for Yolanda victims was stopped momentarily. — From the wires (FREEMAN)