NDRRMC to probe reports local execs selling typhoon aid from UK

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday said it is ready to look into reports that donations from the United Kingdom (UK) are being sold for profit by corrupt local officials.

NDRRMC spokesman Maj. Rey Balido called on those who know something about the alleged diversion of relief goods to coordinate with authorities so it can be addressed.

He said the NDRRMC has not received any formal complaints about the supposed selling of donations, the latest issue to plague the government’s relief efforts.

“We are awaiting the official complaint so we can start doing the necessary steps and so that we can investigate these kinds of incidents,” Balido told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala echoed this, saying the matter should be brought to law enforcement officials.

“If there is any wrongdoing especially in the delivery of relief and we know something about it is just proper that we call attention to our law enforcement officials so that we can correct it,” Zagala said. 

“What is at stake here is not just those who are doing wrongdoing but us as a people.b because this reflects us especially now.

Balido admitted that reports about individuals taking advantage of the typhoon could create a negative image about the Philippines.

On Sunday, British paper The Daily Mail reported that donations from UK that were intended for victims of typhoon “Yolanda” are being diverted and sold for profit by corrupt local officials.

The report said emergency supplies delivered by military helicopters have turned up on the shelves of shops in affluent districts of Manila.

Shelter equipment bought using British donations, the report claimed, have been locked up in government warehouses and stockpiled alongside food items.

The Daily Mail said British charity groups are also concerned about evidence that suggests not all the £60 million of UK aid is reaching the typhoon victims.

An expatriate identified as Keb Darge is reportedly facing death threats for stopping local officials who were stealing aid in Eastern Samar.

“The aid isn’t getting through to where it’s needed. I’ve seen the deliveries arrive and I’ve seen them disappear,” Darge was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

“The situation isn’t going to improve unless there’s an investigation. Someone needs to go and find out exactly what is happening,” he added.

When asked to whether the government can ensure the safety of Darge, Balido said: “Of course, when necessary. The agencies of the government like the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) are there.”

“We have to give attention to this because it does not create a good image for us,” he added.

A Japanese aid worker identified as Shiratori Koti was also quoted in the story as saying that local officials were bringing relief goods to their homes and that there is not enough food reaching the victims.